Viet Tri, 31 August 2026 – Coach Yutaka Ikeuchi has officially named Vietnam U20’s 23-man squad for Group C of the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, which will take place from August 31 to September 6 at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho.
Vietnam enter the qualifiers following an extensive preparation programme that included a training camp in Japan, where the team played six practice matches. The trip provided Ikeuchi and his coaching staff with an opportunity to assess the squad, refine their playing style and test different tactical options before returning to Phu Tho for the continental qualifiers.
Among the 23 selected players, midfielder Nguyen Le Phat stands out as one of the most experienced members of the squad despite still being eligible to compete at U20 level.
Le Phat has previously been called up to the Vietnam senior national team and was also part of the Vietnam U23 squad that finished third at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup.
Despite already gaining valuable experience with both the U23 and senior national teams, Le Phat remains eligible for U20 competition. His return to the age-group side will provide him with further competitive opportunities while allowing the midfielder to continue developing during an important stage of his career.
Another notable inclusion is defender Dinh Quang Kiet, who recently experienced success at senior international level as a member of the Vietnam squad that won the ASEAN Cup 2026.
His time with the senior national team is expected to bring additional composure and competitive experience to Vietnam U20’s defensive unit. Like Le Phat, Quang Kiet remains eligible at U20 level, giving him another opportunity to accumulate playing time and continue his development.
Alongside Le Phat and Quang Kiet, Ikeuchi has retained a number of players who have regularly featured in previous training camps and international competitions.
In defence, captain Nguyen Quoc Khanh is joined by players including Le Huy Viet Anh, Le Tan Dung, Phan Dinh Bach and Bui Duy Dang, providing the Japanese coach with several options across the back line.
The midfield features several players who have been involved throughout Vietnam’s preparations, including Tran Gia Hung, Dau Hong Phong, Nguyen Van Khanh, Tran Hoang Khanh and Dao Quang Anh, alongside Le Phat.
In attack, Vietnam will continue to place their trust in Hoang Trong Duy Khang, Hoang Cong Hau, Nguyen Van Bach, Tran Gia Bao, Nguyen Thien Phu and Nguyen Trong Duc Vu.
Many of these players were given opportunities during the team’s training programme, including valuable minutes in the six practice matches played in Japan, allowing the coaching staff to assess different combinations ahead of the qualifiers.
Vietnam will begin their Group C campaign against North Korea U20 at 7:00 p.m. on August 31 at Viet Tri Stadium.
Ikeuchi’s side will then face Palestine U20 on September 3, before concluding their group campaign against Iran U20 on September 6.
With Iran traditionally regarded as one of Asia’s strongest football nations and North Korea also presenting a significant challenge, Vietnam face a demanding battle for qualification.
However, after several stages of preparation, including their training camp in Japan, and with the advantage of playing all three matches on home soil, Vietnam U20 are targeting a place at the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 finals.
VSN/RPT
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