Azerbaijan, 23 Oct 2026 – Vietnam U15 will begin their FIFA U15 World Cup 2026 campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina on October 24 in Azerbaijan, marking an important milestone for the country’s youth football development as FIFA introduces a new eight-a-side competition.
Vietnam U15 officially began their tournament activities on October 23, following the schedule established by the organisers. Head coach Hoang Anh Tuan and his players are completing the necessary administrative procedures, attending technical meetings and familiarising themselves with the competition environment ahead of their opening match.
The squad is scheduled to hold a training session at Hovsan Stadium from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. local time on October 23. The session will allow the players to adjust to the playing conditions and make their final preparations before entering the tournament.
On October 24, Vietnam will travel to the match venue for their opening Group R encounter against Bosnia and Herzegovina, scheduled to kick off at 11:30 a.m. local time. Later that evening, the team will attend the tournament’s opening ceremony at Baku Crystal Hall.
The inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup 2026 brings together representatives from 189 FIFA member associations, with 78 national teams making their first appearance at a FIFA World Cup competition across all age groups and genders.
The tournament represents a significant expansion of international opportunities for young footballers, particularly those from countries with limited previous experience on the global stage.
Organised under the philosophy “Give Every Talent a Chance,” the competition places considerable emphasis on player development, international exposure and enjoyment rather than focusing exclusively on results.
Alongside competitive matches, participating teams will have opportunities to take part in educational activities, interact with football legends and engage in community awareness programmes. These initiatives are designed to provide young players with experiences that extend beyond the football pitch.
One of the tournament’s most distinctive features is its eight-a-side format, which differs considerably from traditional 11-a-side football.
Matches will consist of two 20-minute halves, with unlimited substitutions permitted. Kick-ins will also replace conventional throw-ins, creating a faster-paced playing environment and encouraging players to remain actively involved throughout the contest.
The modified regulations are intended to increase players’ contact with the ball while promoting technical development, tactical awareness and quicker decision-making.
Another important feature is the competition’s festival-style structure, which ensures that all participating teams continue playing until the final day rather than being eliminated early. This approach gives young footballers more opportunities to gain international experience and compete against opponents with different playing styles.
For Vietnam U15, the unfamiliar format presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Hoang Anh Tuan believes that players aged 14 and 15 must develop the confidence to make independent decisions while remaining disciplined in their tactical responsibilities.
“Football requires tactical knowledge, physical fitness and technical ability, but thinking is also extremely important,” the Vietnamese coach said.
“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.”
Vietnam have been drawn into Group R alongside Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Guyana, Iran and Mauritius, providing opportunities to face opponents from several different footballing backgrounds.
As the squad prepares for its opening match, the coaching staff will be looking for signs of progress in the players’ tactical understanding, adaptability and confidence.
For Hoang Anh Tuan and his young squad, the FIFA U15 World Cup offers more than an opportunity to compete internationally. It provides a valuable platform to develop the next generation of Vietnamese footballers, with the experience gained in Azerbaijan potentially shaping their future progress at both club and national team level.
Leave a Reply