Vietnam U23 at Asiad 2026: Quarterfinals Are Just the Beginning

The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has set a target for the U23 team to reach the quarterfinals of the 2026 Asian Games – a milestone entirely achievable given the current squad. Among the 23 players called up, 16 took part in the training camp in July this year. That period together has built significant stability in tactics and understanding between positions. Seven newcomers such as Ly Duc, Quang Kiet, Pham Minh Phuc, Le Phat, and Ngoc My are not strangers; all have at least one season of V-League or First Division experience. Most of the Asiad squad have gained experience from international youth tournaments, most recently the U23 Asian Cup. Thus, entering the continent's biggest multi-sport event, Vietnam U23 remains among the most experienced teams in the region. Grouped with Uzbekistan, Kuwait, and the Philippines is not easy. Uzbekistan is the toughest opponent, but the race for the top two spots is wide open. If they perform well against Kuwait and the Philippines, coach Dinh Hong Vinh's men can secure a quarterfinal berth. Even dreaming of a semifinal or a medal – like their predecessors – is within reach. However, the quarterfinals are not the final destination. How far Vietnam U23 will go at Asiad 2026 remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: senior national team head coach Kim Sang Sik views this tournament as a key test for the generation that won bronze at the U23 Asian Cup earlier this year. That is why the VFF and Coach Kim changed the plan from fielding a U21 squad to nearly the strongest lineup – a decision with meaning beyond a single tournament. Specifically, Coach Kim Sang Sik has undoubtedly planned for the future of the Vietnam national team after the 2027 Asian Cup. The current U23 players are part of that plan. To earn a chance, they must catch the Korean tactician's eye through performances against quality opponents at Asiad. Of course, Asiad is only one of many tests. Alongside it are consistent displays in the V-League or First Division, both of which have just started a new season. In short, Asiad is not a direct ticket to the national team, but it is a key for Vietnam U23 to prove their ability to Coach Kim Sang Sik and club coaches. Only by gradually securing starting spots in the V-League will the door to the national team truly open wider. For players like Ly Duc, Quang Kiet, and Pham Minh Phuc, Asiad 2026 is a golden chance to score points. If they use it well, they can not only help the team go far but also lay the foundation for a long international career. In conclusion, Vietnam U23 enter the Asiad with thorough preparation, a deep squad, and clear goals. The quarterfinals are the target, but ambition can be bigger. Most importantly, this tournament is a stepping stone for the next generation to prove themselves, ready for higher duties with the national team in the future.