AFC has high expectations for a U23 Vietnam player at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup finals.

Before the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup finals, the AFC has focused particularly on U23 Vietnam, emphasizing Khuất Văn Khang as a crucial figure in the red squad's goal of progressing far in the competition.

In a recently published analysis, the AFC included U23 Vietnam among the teams to watch closely at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup finals hosted in Saudi Arabia. Drawn in Group A with the host Saudi Arabia and opponents Jordan and Kyrgyzstan, U23 Vietnam is considered to have a realistic chance to compete for a quarterfinal spot, especially after an impressive qualifying campaign.

The AFC reiterated that Vietnam is one of the teams with a strong tradition in this tournament, with the most memorable milestone being the runner-up finish in 2018. The AFC’s official website stated: “Vietnam will strive to lift the AFC U23 Asian Cup trophy for the first time when they participate in the tournament in Saudi Arabia in early 2026.”.

The team’s confidence is built on a flawless qualifying round where U23 Vietnam won all three matches, scored 13 goals, and kept a clean sheet against Bangladesh, Singapore, and Yemen.

Within this overall picture, the AFC dedicated a section to highlight Khuất Văn Khang’s role. The Asian Football Confederation's homepage emphasized: “A key figure in their journey will be the strong midfielder Khuất Văn Khang, who has established himself as a core player in the national team.”. According to AFC statistics, the 21-year-old has made 37 appearances and scored 4 goals for U23 Vietnam, while also gaining valuable experience with 22 caps for the senior national team.

The AFC also praised Văn Khang’s composure and growth in major competitions.

“After failing to get past the quarterfinals since their runner-up finish in 2018, Vietnam will aim to reassert their status on the continental stage, with Khuất Văn Khang being one of their most important assets,”the article stressed. As captain, this midfielder is expected to lead the gameplay, maintain the rhythm, and inspire confidence among the younger teammates.

Khuất Văn Khang’s recent form also inspires great confidence. The victory over U22 Thailand in the final of SEA Games 33 helped him and some teammates achieve a rare milestone by winning regional championships at multiple levels. SEA Games 33 also marked the completion of Văn Khang’s SEA Games journey, providing an important morale boost before stepping onto the continental stage.

Speaking about upcoming goals, Khuất Văn Khang said: “At the continental level, players must prepare thoroughly both physically and mentally. Winning the SEA Games gold medal is a huge encouragement, giving the whole team more confidence as we enter the AFC U23 Asian Cup finals.”. He also affirmed that U23 Vietnam will approach the tournament with a focus on each match, aiming to progress as far as possible.

With positive evaluations from the AFC and Khuất Văn Khang’s increasingly prominent role, U23 Vietnam enters the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup finals with high hopes, not only aiming to pass the group stage but also to reaffirm their position on the Asian youth football map.