Saudi Arabia, 16 May 2026 – After securing a place at the FIFA U17 World Cup 2026, the next target for U17 Vietnam is to overcome U17 Australia and book a historic spot in the semi-finals of the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026.
U17 Vietnam made history by finishing top of Group C to reach the quarter-finals of the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026, while also officially qualifying for the FIFA U17 World Cup 2026. However, coach Cristiano Roland and his players are now fully focused on their next challenge against U17 Australia.
Following the dramatic 3-2 victory over U17 UAE in the final group-stage match, which sealed Vietnam’s World Cup ticket, the coaching staff and leaders of the Vietnam Football Federation immediately reminded the squad to stay concentrated and prepare carefully for the quarter-final clash.
If U17 Vietnam can defeat U17 Australia, they will recreate a historic achievement similar to the famous Vietnam U16 generation of Pham Van Quyen, Phan Nhu Thuat, Nguyen Anh Cuong, and Nguyen Minh Duc, who reached the continental semi-finals back in 2000.
One major source of confidence for Vietnam is their previous 2-1 comeback victory over U17 Australia in the semi-finals of the AFF U17 Championship 2026. In that match, U17 Vietnam conceded early but responded with an impressive attacking display to turn the game around.
At the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026, U17 Australia finished second in Group D, a group reduced to only three teams after U17 North Korea withdrew from the tournament. Under coach Carl Veart, the young Australians defeated U17 India 4-0 before suffering a 0-2 loss against U17 Uzbekistan.
Speaking about the upcoming challenge, midfielder Nguyen Minh Thuy acknowledged the quality of the Australian side.
“We faced U17 Australia in the semi-finals of the AFF U17 Championship 2026. They are a team with strong physicality, speed, fitness, and very good tactical quality. The entire squad will continue improving according to the coaching staff’s plans to prepare in the best possible way for the match. Our goal is to go as far as possible at the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026,” Nguyen Minh Thuy said.
Meanwhile, coach Cristiano Roland emphasized that team unity remains the biggest strength of U17 Vietnam.
“Although we have many technically gifted players, I always tell them that individuals can only shine within a united team. We have built this squad into a close collective where every player is willing to support and work for his teammates,” the Brazilian coach shared.
In terms of squad strength, U17 Vietnam have largely kept the same core group that competed at the AFF U17 Championship. On the other hand, U17 Australia have added several new faces, including two Europe-based players: goalkeeper Charlie Wilson-Papps from Brighton & Hove Albion and defender Harrison Bond from Red Bull Salzburg.
The AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 quarter-final between U17 Vietnam and U17 Australia will kick off at midnight on May 17.
VSN/RPT
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