2026 AFC U23 Championship: U23 Vietnam faces a relatively easier group for smoother play

30/12/2025 14:16:00 ScoreStream

Dreaming of the Than Chau miracle might be distant, but once Southeast Asian goals are neatly achieved, fans look forward to a U23 Vietnam playing with the highest enthusiasm at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship.

It is no exaggeration to say that 2025 ended as one of the most brilliant periods in Vietnamese football. In just over a year of leadership, coach Kim Sang Sik has brought a clear change in both playing philosophy and competitive spirit to the young players. The SEA Games 33 gold medal won on Thai soil is not only a title but also a confirmation of the right path Vietnamese football is pursuing: controlled youth development, scientific and disciplined play.

Putting aside the U23 Southeast Asia championship and SEA Games 33 gold, coach Kim Sang Sik’s team is working hard in Qatar to prepare as best as possible for the continental stage, which is higher and much more challenging. The atmosphere is excited, dynamic, and positive but remains highly focused. Training volume is maximized despite weather and time zone differences, yet the players strive to fully complete the training plan set by coach Kim Sang Sik. Clearly, the impact of those titles still shows on the players’ faces and in their movements.

On the continental stage, U23 Vietnam’s opportunities do not come from pure strength comparison but from preparation and match approach. With limited preparation time, coach Kim Sang Sik prioritized keeping the core that led the team to success at SEA Games, while "upgrading" every small detail: zonal defense, transition, and finishing efficiency.

U23 Vietnam is diligently training in Qatar to prepare for the 2026 AFC U23 Championship. Photo: VFF

Coach Kim Sang Sik’s demand for his players to quickly renew themselves upon arrival demonstrates professionalism and absolute seriousness. For the Korean coach, the SEA Games 33 gold is a notable achievement but only a stepping stone. He understands the significant gap between regional football and the continental stage.

This rapid shift is not just a change between Southeast Asian and Asian tournaments but an important mindset change: setting aside regional victory joy to look toward the bigger stage. Coach Kim Sang Sik’s clarity is the "remedy" needed for the young players to stay grounded, avoiding complacency after praise.

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The challenge at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship is predicted to be extremely tough as Vietnam is grouped with hosts Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Kyrgyzstan. Particularly, U23 Saudi Arabia is seen as the top favorite for the championship. When mentioning the AFC U23 Championship, Vietnamese fans still recall the iconic Than Chau 2018 milestone. However, rather than focusing on repeating that miracle, the more practical goal for U23 Vietnam in 2026 is to demonstrate competitive capability, pass the group stage, or at least leave a clear professional mark.

Thus, the 2026 AFC U23 Championship is more than just a tournament; it is a test for an entire journey. And in this journey, fans have the right to expect a more resilient, pragmatic U23 Vietnam ready to write new chapters for the nation’s football.

From every perspective, with psychological pressure relieved and strengths and weaknesses exposed for improvement, U23 Vietnam is relaxed as they enter the competition. With the "knot untied," perhaps this young generation will achieve something remarkable.

Everything lies ahead, nothing is concluded yet, and many promises await.

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