UAE, 6 Nov 2026 – Vietnam U17 departed for the United Arab Emirates on November 6 for their final training camp ahead of the FIFA U17 World Cup 2026 in Qatar. Head coach Cristiano Roland will use the preparations to finalise his 21-player squad and sharpen the team’s tactics before facing Belgium, New Zealand and Mali in Group G.
Vietnamese youngsters enter the final stage of their World Cup preparations following a productive training camp in South Korea in late October. During their stay, Roland’s side played three friendly matches against older opponents, suffering a 4-1 defeat to FC Seoul U18 before recovering with a convincing 5-0 victory over Cheonan U18 and a 4-2 win against Shinpyeong U18. The results provided valuable competitive experience and allowed the coaching staff to assess the team’s tactical organisation, coordination between different areas of the pitch and ability to cope with physically demanding opponents.
Roland believes the South Korean training camp helped his players become more comfortable with the intensity required at international level. Facing teams with greater physical strength and experience forced the Vietnamese youngsters to make quicker decisions, maintain concentration and adapt to different match situations. The Brazilian coach has expressed confidence that his squad can meet the physical demands and competitive standards of the upcoming World Cup, although further improvements will be necessary before the tournament begins.
Ahead of the trip to the UAE, Roland reduced his preliminary squad from 28 to 25 players. The selection process is not yet complete, with the coaching staff required to identify 21 players for the final World Cup squad. Decisions will be based on individual performances, tactical suitability and each player’s ability to meet the team’s requirements. Maintaining balance across the different positions will also be important, particularly given the demanding schedule and the need for effective substitutions throughout the competition.
Vietnam U17 will train in the UAE from November 6 to 9, focusing on physical conditioning, tactical adjustments and adapting to the climate and playing conditions in West Asia. Friendly matches against Fiji U17 and Saudi Arabia U17 are also planned, offering Roland further opportunities to test different combinations and evaluate the squad before travelling to Qatar. The coaching staff hope the final preparations will help the players reach their best physical condition while developing greater confidence in their tactical approach.
At the FIFA U17 World Cup 2026, Vietnam have been drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand and Mali, three opponents presenting different challenges. Belgium are expected to rely on technical quality, tactical awareness and organised team play, while New Zealand’s physical strength and aerial ability could create difficulties for the Vietnamese defence. Mali, meanwhile, possess players known for their pace, athleticism and ability to produce dangerous attacking moments, making them another demanding opponent for Roland’s squad.
Recognising the physical differences between Vietnam and their group-stage rivals, Roland has emphasised the importance of playing to his team’s strengths rather than attempting to match opponents in direct physical contests. The Brazilian coach wants his players to move the ball quickly, make early decisions and avoid unnecessary challenges against stronger opponents. Quick passing combinations, intelligent movement and rapid counterattacks are expected to form important parts of Vietnam’s approach as they attempt to create opportunities while limiting pressure on their defence.
The UAE training camp represents the final opportunity for Vietnam U17 to refine their preparations before stepping onto the world stage. Beyond results, the tournament will provide a valuable measure of the team’s progress against leading international opposition. For Roland and his players, the priority is to arrive in Qatar physically prepared, tactically organised and confident enough to demonstrate the qualities of Vietnamese football against three challenging Group G opponents.
VSN/RPT
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