Cheonan, 19 Oct 2026 – Vietnam U17 held their first training session in Cheonan, South Korea, on October 19, officially beginning a 10-day training camp featuring three friendly matches as head coach Cristiano Roland steps up preparations for the FIFA U17 World Cup 2026 in Qatar.
After settling into their accommodation, Vietnam U17 returned to the training pitch on Monday afternoon to begin the next phase of their preparations for their first appearance at the FIFA U17 World Cup.
The training camp in Cheonan forms an important part of the team’s build-up to the tournament, providing Roland and his coaching staff with an opportunity to improve physical conditioning, refine tactical organisation and assess the players against competitive opposition.
Weather conditions in Cheonan have been favourable, with average temperatures of approximately 15°C. The cooler environment is expected to help the Vietnamese players maintain their training intensity while continuing to work on the technical and tactical aspects of their game.
During their stay in South Korea, Vietnam U17 are scheduled to play three friendly matches against opponents offering different levels of competition.
The team will first face FC Seoul U17 on October 21, followed by a meeting with Cheonan City FC U17 on October 26. Their final friendly will be against South Korea U17 on October 28, providing a valuable test before the squad enters the final stages of its World Cup preparations.
These matches will allow the coaching staff to evaluate the team’s tactical execution, monitor individual development and identify areas requiring improvement. Facing South Korean opposition will also help the players adapt to faster-paced football and the physical demands they are likely to encounter at the World Cup.
For Roland, the training camp represents an opportunity to turn weeks of preparation into competitive performances. The Brazilian coach has placed considerable emphasis on improving his players’ physical readiness, tactical discipline and ability to respond under pressure.
Following the conclusion of the South Korea camp, Vietnam U17 will return home before travelling to the United Arab Emirates on November 6 for another training period. The squad will then head to Qatar to compete in the FIFA U17 World Cup 2026.
Vietnam have been drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand and Mali, setting up three challenging encounters against opponents from different footballing backgrounds.
The tournament will mark a historic milestone for Vietnamese youth football, as the national U17 team prepares to make its first appearance at a FIFA U17 World Cup.
Although Vietnam face a demanding group, the coaching staff hope that the international training camps and friendly matches will provide the experience and confidence needed to compete effectively on the world stage.
With less than a month remaining before the tournament, Vietnam U17’s three friendlies in South Korea will serve as important tests of their readiness, as Roland and his players continue working towards a memorable World Cup debut.
VSN/RPT
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