Saudi Arabia, 6 January 2026 – U23 Jordan are widely regarded as U23 Vietnam’s direct rival in Group A, and victory in the opening match on January 6 (18:30 local time) could significantly boost coach Kim Sang-sik’s side’s chances of reaching the knockout stage of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026.
U23 Vietnam enter their opening Group A match knowing that U23 Jordan represent the most immediate obstacle on the road to the quarter-finals. A win would open the door to qualification, but overcoming the West Asian side will be far from straightforward. Jordanian football is enjoying a historic period, having secured qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and reached the final of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 just two years ago. Their U23 team has also underlined its quality by holding defending champions Japan to a 1–1 draw in a recent friendly under head coach Omar Najhi.
Jordan’s squad includes several senior internationals who played a role in the nation’s World Cup qualification campaign, notably defender Ali Hajabi and forwards Amin Al-Shanaineh and Odeh Al-Fakhouri. Their presence gives U23 Jordan a cutting edge in attack, posing a serious test for U23 Vietnam’s defensive system.
Physical disparity is another challenge for U23 Vietnam. Coach Kim Sang-sik’s side has an average height of 1.76m, ranking 15th among the 16 teams at the tournament, while U23 Jordan stand fourth with an average of 1.81m. Set-piece situations are expected to be particularly dangerous, despite the reassuring presence of goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien at 1.91m.
Vietnam’s biggest concern, however, lies in attack. The late injury to Bui Vi Hao disrupted Kim Sang-sik’s original plans, while Nguyen Thanh Nhan is still racing to regain full match fitness after a long layoff. At present, Nguyen Dinh Bac appears to be the only attacker in peak condition, and he is likely to be closely marked throughout the match.
U23 Jordan are well aware of Vietnam’s strengths. “Nguyen Dinh Bac, Nguyen Phi Hoang and Khuat Van Khang are all very quick players. We must be extremely cautious and find ways to stop them,” coach Omar Najhi admitted, highlighting the thorough preparation of the Jordanian side after studying Vietnam’s successful 2025 campaign in Southeast Asia.
For Kim Sang-sik, adaptability will be key. Tactical adjustments and fresh ideas may be required if U23 Vietnam are to surprise their opponents in the opener. Encouragingly, the squad has remained grounded despite last year’s regional triumphs, a mental strength that could prove invaluable on the continental stage. Experience at Asian tournaments for players such as Dinh Bac, Van Khang and Nguyen Thai Son adds further belief, especially as U23 Vietnam boast the second-highest average age at the finals (22.22).
Interestingly, Kim Sang-sik has openly labelled U23 Vietnam as the weakest team in Group A. Embracing the underdog role may help ease pressure, encourage tactical flexibility and allow the players to perform with greater freedom.
As the first Vietnamese national team to compete internationally in 2026, U23 Vietnam carry high expectations. Fans hope Kim Sang-sik’s side can elevate their level while retaining the resilience and confidence built over the past year, starting with a positive result against U23 Jordan that could set the tone for the journey ahead.
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