VTV5, VTV6 live football today 8/1/2026, highlighting the games between U23 Thailand and U23 Australia, and U23 China versus U23 Iraq at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship finals.
| Date | Time | Match | Live Broadcast |
| 8/1 | 18:30 | U23 Thailand vs U23 Australia | Watch link 1 Watch link 2 |
| 21:00 | U23 China vs U23 Iraq |
After the matches of groups A, B, and C, today's games will feature group D, where the last Southeast Asian representative, Thailand, will compete on 8/1.
At 18:30 U23 Thailand will face U23 Australia.
U23 Australia advanced through qualifiers comfortably to reach the 2026 AFC U23 Championship finals. Despite limited pre-tournament friendlies, the Kangaroos are highly rated due to a stable squad and impressive form. In a balanced group with China, Thailand, and Iraq, their goal is to secure a quarterfinal spot.
Meanwhile, U23 Thailand has prepared actively but results have been less convincing. Their loss to U23 China revealed several weaknesses. Given past encounters and a 10-match unbeaten streak, U23 Australia is predicted to win on their opening day.
At 21:00 U23 China will take on U23 Iraq
U23 Iraq enters the 2026 AFC U23 Championship finals with strong confidence after finishing as runners-up in the 2025 U23 Arabian Gulf Cup and qualifying easily. Drawn in a relatively balanced group D, the West Asian side has a good chance to advance if they stay focused.
U23 China also had a smooth qualification journey and is determined to break their group stage elimination streak. With both teams showing stable recent form and balanced squads, this match is likely to end in a draw.