Hanoi, 2, October 2025 – On the afternoon of September 2, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) conducted the official draw for the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup finals. The results placed Vietnam U23 in Group A alongside host nation Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Kyrgyzstan — a group full of intriguing challenges and opportunities.
Following the draw, the tournament schedule was also confirmed by AFC and the local organizing committee. For head coach Kim Sang Sik and his players, the fixtures are considered relatively favorable, as the level of difficulty rises progressively with each match.
Vietnam U23 will open their campaign on January 7, 2026, against Jordan U23. The Jordanians earned their place at the finals as group winners during the qualifiers, where they dominated with three consecutive victories over Turkmenistan, Bhutan, and Chinese Taipei. Despite not being traditional powerhouses in Asia, Jordan have shown consistent progress and are regarded as a tough opponent to begin the tournament with.
The second group-stage match will take place on January 10, 2026, against Kyrgyzstan U23. While debutants at the AFC U23 Asian Cup, the Central Asian side caused a stir during qualification. Hosting Group E, Kyrgyzstan stunned the continent by finishing top ahead of 2018 champions Uzbekistan, who also reached the final in both 2022 and 2024. Their surprising rise makes them a dangerous opponent that Vietnam cannot underestimate.
Finally, on January 13, 2026, Vietnam will face the host nation and tournament favorite Saudi Arabia U23. Widely considered the strongest team in Group A, Saudi Arabia lifted the AFC U23 Asian Cup trophy in 2022 and will benefit from passionate home support. For Vietnam, this clash could effectively become a “final” in determining their chances of progression.
With only the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage, every point will be crucial. The Vietnamese squad, who are aiming to continue building on their strong regional reputation, know that positive results against Jordan and Kyrgyzstan will be essential before facing the formidable challenge of Saudi Arabia.
Head coach Kim Sang Sik emphasized preparation and mental focus ahead of the tournament: the strategic order of fixtures provides Vietnam U23 with the chance to build momentum before meeting the host nation in what could be a decisive showdown for qualification.
The 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup promises to be an important test for Vietnam’s next generation of talent. Success in Group A would not only secure a place in the knockout rounds but also reaffirm Vietnam’s growing presence on the continental stage.
Linh Trang
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