U22 Vietnam 'puts aside' SEA Games 33 gold, setting sights on the Asian stage

The SEA Games 33 gold medal is a well-earned reward for the efforts of U22 Vietnam under coach Kim Sang Sik, but that happiness should not last too long. Achieving success at the regional level, under optimal conditions and against familiar opponents, does not guarantee that U22 Vietnam can maintain their position when advancing to the continental level.

At this point, coach Kim Sang Sik’s young players must quickly come back down to earth, stay level-headed, and prepare themselves mentally to face much harsher challenges.

That challenge is the 2026 AFC U23 Championship, which will officially begin early next year in Saudi Arabia.