Vietnam U23 at Asiad 2026: Quarterfinals Are Not the Final Goal

The quarterfinals are wide open. VFF has set the target of reaching the quarterfinals of Asiad 2026, and this is entirely within the capability of Vietnam U23, considering the current squad. Among the 23 players, 16 were part of the training camp in July, providing stability in tactics and understanding between positions. The seven new faces like Ly Duc, Quang Kiet, Pham Minh Phuc, Le Phat, and Ngoc My are not unfamiliar. Most of the 23 players have one or two seasons in V-League, along with youth experience or the recent U23 Asian Championship. Therefore, entering Asiad, Vietnam remains among the most experienced teams. Vietnam U23 is grouped with Uzbekistan, Kuwait, and the Philippines. Uzbekistan is the toughest opponent, but opportunities for the top two spots are open. By capitalizing on matches against Kuwait and the Philippines, coach Dinh Hong Vinh's team can secure a quarterfinal berth. They could even dream of repeating the achievements of their predecessors, reaching the semifinals or winning a medal. But the quarterfinals are not the end. How far Vietnam U23 will go depends on reality. However, it is clear that coach Kim Sang Sik sees this continental event as another test for the U23 generation that won a bronze medal at the U23 Asian Championship earlier this year. That's why VFF and coach Kim changed the plan from using U21 players to fielding nearly the strongest squad, with significance beyond the tournament. Specifically, coach Kim Sang Sik has plans for the future of the Vietnam national team after the 2027 Asian Cup. Naturally, the current U23 players are part of that plan. To seize opportunities, they must prove themselves to the Korean strategist through performances against quality opponents at this Asiad. Of course, Asiad is just one of many assessments for Vietnam U23 players, alongside consistent displays in V-League or the First Division season just underway. Asiad is not an immediate ticket to the national team, but it is a key to demonstrating capability to coach Kim and club coaches. Only by gradually securing starting positions in V-League will the door to the national team open wider.