Viet Tri, 30 August 2026 – Vietnam U20 head coach Yutaka Ikeuchi says his team have completed their key preparations and are ready to begin their campaign for a place at the 2027 AFC U20 Asian Cup finals.
Speaking at the pre-tournament press conference for Group C of the qualifiers, the Japanese coach welcomed the opportunity for Vietnam to host the group and expressed his appreciation for the support his team have received throughout their preparations.
“First of all, I am very happy that the AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers are being held in Vietnam. Ahead of the tournament, we have received a great deal of support from the VFF as well as the clubs, allowing us to have the best possible training conditions,” Ikeuchi said.
Vietnam enter the qualifiers determined to respond after a disappointing campaign at the 2026 ASEAN U19 Championship. Ikeuchi admitted that failing to achieve the desired result at the regional tournament was frustrating, but believes the experience provided valuable lessons for both his coaching staff and players.
“At the recent Southeast Asian tournament, we did not achieve the result we wanted. It was a disappointing failure, but also an important lesson for Vietnam U20. From that experience, both the coaching staff and the players learned many valuable things, allowing us to prepare more thoroughly for these AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers.”
North Korea Present Tough Opening Test
Vietnam will begin their campaign against North Korea U20, an opponent Ikeuchi rates highly.
The coach acknowledged that gathering detailed information on North Korea has been difficult, meaning his staff have had to rely on their existing data and experience to analyse the opposition.
“North Korea are a very strong opponent. They always play with great physical strength and fighting spirit, so this certainly will not be an easy match. We have prepared as thoroughly as possible to face them,” Ikeuchi stressed.
Vietnam have also had to deal with several injury-related absences during their preparations. Ikeuchi said his coaching staff have worked to find solutions while focusing on improving the overall level of the squad and reducing the gap in quality between different positions.
Despite those setbacks, the coach insists his players are ready.
“At this point, everyone in the Vietnam U20 team, from the coaching staff to the players, is ready to enter the tournament.”
Quoc Khanh: ‘We Will Fight for the Vietnamese Flag’
Vietnam U20 captain Nguyen Quoc Khanh, who joined Ikeuchi at the press conference, said the squad have enjoyed a positive preparation period and developed stronger cohesion ahead of the qualifiers.
Although Vietnam encountered personnel difficulties during the early stages of their training camps, Quoc Khanh believes subsequent additions to the squad have provided an important boost both technically and mentally.
“These additions have made a major contribution to the team, both mentally and in terms of tactics and technical quality. Playing in the V.League and gaining experience in international competitions provide valuable experience and help raise the overall level of the team,” Quoc Khanh said.
The captain also called on Vietnamese supporters to turn out in numbers and give the hosts an additional advantage.
“We promise to play with the highest determination for the Vietnamese flag and national colors. We hope the supporters will come to the stadium in large numbers to give Vietnam U20 more strength and help us perform well in these qualifiers.”
Group C Rivals Target Qualification
Representatives of the other three Group C teams also expressed confidence ahead of the opening matches.
North Korea U20 head coach O Thae Song said his team had undergone approximately one month of preparation and expressed confidence in his players’ ability.
While acknowledging Vietnam’s home advantage, O believes every team in the group has prepared in its own way. North Korea will look to maximize their technical, physical and tactical strengths as they target qualification for the continental finals.
Iran U20 head coach Ghasem Haddadifar, meanwhile, stressed that his side respect all three of their opponents and will approach every fixture with equal importance. Iran arrive in Vietnam with a squad featuring a number of promising talents and are targeting the best possible results in the qualifiers.
Palestine U20 head coach Sajed Atta Karakra acknowledged that his team’s preparations have been complicated by the fact that players are based and playing football across several different countries.
Despite those difficulties, Karakra promised that Palestine would compete with maximum determination as the players seek to bring joy and hope to the Palestinian people.
Vietnam Begin Campaign on August 31
Vietnam have been drawn alongside North Korea, Palestine and Iran in Group C of the 2027 AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers, setting up a demanding battle for qualification.
Ikeuchi’s side will open their campaign against North Korea U20 on August 31 at Viet Tri Stadium, with the hosts hoping that home support can provide an important boost as they begin their pursuit of a place at the AFC U20 Asian Cup finals.
Pan Lee
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