2026 AFC U23 Championship: A Strong Foundation for Vietnam U23

26/12/2025 07:02:00 TrophyTracker

While most teams participating in the 2026 AFC U23 Championship finals cannot bring their strongest squads, Vietnam U23 boasts an almost optimal lineup along with extensive preparation. This presents a significant opportunity for us to replicate the historic success of Thường Châu.

1. Unlike previous U23 tournaments linked to Olympic qualification, this year's AFC U23 Championship finals are not part of FIFA’s mandatory competition calendar. This allows clubs, especially those in Europe and East Asia, the full right to refuse releasing players. The January schedule (6-24/1) falls in the middle of the season for most top domestic leagues in Asia and Europe, so clubs prioritize their own objectives. The most obvious consequence is that many strong national teams cannot call up young stars playing abroad.

South Korea U23 finalized their squad without Bae Jun Ho (Stoke), Jens Castrop (Gladbach), Yang Min-Hyeok (Portsmouth), and Kim Ji Soo (Kaiserlautern). They only have two players from Portimonense (Portuguese second division), while the rest play domestically. Reigning champions Japan U23 have not announced their roster yet, but in reality, they participated in qualifiers with a U20 squad, indicating an early decision not to focus on this tournament. Even Thailand U23 is missing Jude Soonsup-Bell (Grimsby Town), Erawan Garnier (Lyon), and possibly their brightest star from the recent SEA Games, Yotsakorn Burapha. This results in less stability in international experience, tactical cohesion, and composure in big matches. Without truly standout stars, the gap in quality between teams is expected to narrow considerably.

Historically, many top teams did not bring their strongest squads to the 2018 AFC U23 Championship finals because it was not an Olympic qualifier. In that context, Vietnam U23 maximized stability and team spirit to create a historic feat by consecutively defeating Australia, Iraq, and Qatar, ultimately finishing as continental runners-up. History may not repeat exactly, but similar conditions are emerging, setting the stage for an exciting scenario.

Vietnam U23 is one of the few teams able to bring an almost optimal squad to the 2026 AFC U23 Championship finals. Photo by Minh Dân

2. While many teams have to "make do with what they have," Vietnam U23 enters the finals with the core group that recently won the SEA Games gold medal—a squad proven in ability, cohesion, and competitive spirit. Additions like defender Lê Văn Hà and forward Bùi Vĩ Hào do not disrupt the team structure but provide more tactical flexibility.

Another crucial factor lies in the domestic schedule. The V-League is paused until January 30, while the AFC U23 Championship runs from January 6 to 24. This means the entire Vietnam U23 squad can train together for an extended period without distractions from club commitments or injury risks due to overload. In a context where many teams must patch together personnel and have limited preparation time, this is a huge advantage both physically and tactically.

Vietnam U23 eagerly departs for Qatar, accelerating preparations for the 2026 AFC U23 Championship finals.

Meticulous preparation is also reflected in the coaching staff’s approach. Instead of relying on standout individuals, Vietnam U23 continues to build a playing style based on organization, discipline, and rapid transition — factors that led to success at the SEA Games. With the overall quality of the tournament lowered by the lack of stars, stability and system coherence become the decisive keys.

Of course, the AFC U23 Championship remains a tough competition where every mistake is costly. But in a tournament where many "big teams" do not prioritize results, opportunities for well-prepared squads are very real. With an almost full-strength team, favorable preparation, and valuable lessons from history, Vietnam U23 has every reason to aim for a deep run and even dream of another memorable journey on the continental stage.

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