Tokyo, 23 July 2026 – The official draw for the football tournaments at the 2026 Asian Games (ASIAD 2026) took place on July 23 in Nagoya, Japan, producing contrasting fortunes for Vietnam’s men’s and women’s teams.
While Vietnam U23 were handed what many consider a favorable group, the Vietnam women’s national team face a much tougher challenge after being drawn alongside several regional powerhouses.
Vietnam U23 Receive Manageable Group Draw
In the men’s competition, Vietnam U23 were placed in Group C together with Uzbekistan U23, Kuwait U23, and the Philippines U23.
The group is widely viewed as a relatively favorable one for Vietnam. Among their opponents, Uzbekistan U23 are expected to pose the biggest challenge. The Central Asian side has established itself as one of Asia’s strongest youth teams and famously defeated Vietnam in the 2018 AFC U23 Asian Cup final.
However, Kuwait and the Philippines are considered more manageable opponents, giving Vietnam a realistic opportunity to secure qualification for the knockout stage if they perform to their potential.
Men’s Football Draw – ASIAD 2026
Group A: Hong Kong, China; Kyrgyzstan; Thailand; Japan
Group B: North Korea; Iran; United Arab Emirates; China
Group C: Kuwait; Philippines; Uzbekistan; Vietnam
Group D: Qatar; Saudi Arabia; South Korea
Vietnam Women’s Team Drawn into “Group of Death”
The outlook is far more challenging in the women’s competition, where Vietnam have been drawn into Group E alongside hosts Japan, Thailand, and Chinese Taipei.
Japan, playing on home soil, are among the tournament favorites and enter the competition as one of the leading contenders for the gold medal.
Meanwhile, both Thailand and Chinese Taipei are experienced and competitive opponents, making Group E one of the most difficult groups in the tournament. Vietnam will need to produce consistent performances to keep their hopes of advancing alive.
Women’s Football Draw – ASIAD 2026
Group E: Vietnam; Thailand; Chinese Taipei; Japan
Group F: Bangladesh; Myanmar; North Korea; South Korea
Group G: Hong Kong, China; Uzbekistan; Philippines; China
The 2026 Asian Games will be held in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4. The men’s football tournament is scheduled to begin on September 15, while the women’s competition will kick off a day earlier on September 14.
For Vietnam, the draw presents two very different paths. The U23 men’s team will be optimistic about progressing from a favorable group, while the women’s team must prepare for a demanding campaign against some of Asia’s strongest sides in their pursuit of a place in the knockout rounds.
VSN/RPT
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