Hanoi, 21 Oct 2026 – Vietnam U15 head coach Hoang Anh Tuan has finalised a 14-player squad for the FIFA U15 World Cup 2026 in Azerbaijan, where the young Vietnamese side will compete in an innovative eight-a-side format designed to encourage creativity and develop emerging football talent.
Vietnam U15 are set to depart for Azerbaijan on the evening of October 21 ahead of the tournament, scheduled to take place from October 24 to 30. The competition marks the first edition of the FIFA U15 World Cup, introducing a different approach to international youth football under the message “Give Every Talent a Chance.”
Preparations began on September 22, when 34 players assembled at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Centre. Over the following weeks, the coaching staff assessed individual performances, physical condition and tactical understanding while gradually reducing the squad.
Before departure, Hoang Anh Tuan selected the final 14 players in accordance with the tournament regulations. The coaching staff also adjusted their training programme to help the youngsters become familiar with the competition’s distinctive playing format.
Unlike traditional 11-a-side football, the FIFA U15 World Cup 2026 will feature eight-a-side matches, requiring players to adapt to different tactical situations, positioning and decision-making demands.
Hoang Anh Tuan believes the format presents a valuable opportunity for young footballers to improve their awareness, creativity and ability to solve problems independently during matches.
“Football requires tactical knowledge, physical fitness and technical ability, but thinking is also extremely important,” the Vietnamese coach explained.
“Players must know how to handle situations independently on the pitch and create tactical variations. We want to encourage them to be creative and make a difference. That is the foundation for their development, both now and in the future.”
The tournament will also introduce a festival-style competition structure, allowing participating teams to continue playing through different stages rather than facing early elimination.
This approach is intended to provide young players with more opportunities to gain international experience, encounter different playing styles and build connections with footballers from other countries.
For Vietnam U15, the event offers an opportunity to test their development against international opposition while gaining experience in an unfamiliar competitive environment.
According to the group-stage draw, Vietnam have been placed in Group R alongside Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Guyana, Iran and Mauritius.
The six-team group will expose Hoang Anh Tuan’s players to opponents from different footballing backgrounds, providing a useful challenge as they learn to adapt their tactical approach throughout the competition.
Beyond the results, Vietnam’s participation reflects a broader commitment to youth football development, with the coaching staff placing particular emphasis on decision-making, technical confidence and individual creativity.
As the squad prepares to travel to Azerbaijan, Hoang Anh Tuan will be hoping that the experience helps his players build a stronger foundation for their future careers.
Vietnam U15 will begin their historic FIFA U15 World Cup campaign on October 24, aiming to make the most of an international tournament designed to give young talents greater opportunities to develop and showcase their abilities.
VSN/RPT
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