2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup: U23 Vietnam Confident and Determined

According to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), in the pre-match press conference on the afternoon of January 5th, Coach Kim Sang Sik candidly acknowledged: "U23 Vietnam is considered the weakest in Group A. The other three opponents are very strong. However, if we stay focused, determined, and show strong fighting spirit, we have a real chance to advance."

The Korean strategist expressed his happiness to lead U23 Vietnam on the continental stage, seeing it as a crucial step following the success at SEA Games 33. He emphasized: "We achieved our goal at the SEA Games, and now it’s time for the entire team to fully concentrate on the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup finals."

Coach Kim Sang Sik also paid respect to his predecessor Park Hang Seo, while stressing the team is embarking on a new journey. He clarified: "Coach Park Hang Seo did an excellent job, no doubt about that. But currently, we focus on the current squad and the road ahead."

Also on the afternoon of January 5th, Coach Kim Sang Sik announced the official 23-player roster for Vietnam’s participation in the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup finals. This list clearly reflects the coaching staff’s efforts to manage personnel amid ongoing team difficulties. The biggest disappointment is Bui Vi Hao’s forced withdrawal due to fitness issues. Despite his strong efforts to recover from injury and participating in the final warm-up match against U23 Syria on December 30, 2025, the midfielder did not reach optimal fitness for the tough matches ahead in the Asian Cup finals.

Compared to the preliminary list registered with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Coach Kim Sang Sik made a notable change by giving an opportunity to young midfielder Nguyen Le Phat, who is considered dynamic and suited to the current tactical needs.

Additionally, the team received further bad news when Nguyen Tan suffered an injury and had to withdraw. The coaching staff decided to call up goalkeeper Pham Dinh Hai as a replacement. With active support from VFF, AFC, and the host organizers, Pham Dinh Hai completed his visa on January 5th afternoon and will soon travel to Saudi Arabia to join the squad.

Ahead of the tournament, center-back Pham Ly Duc affirmed the team’s awareness of the challenges ahead: "We are very proud to be among Asia’s top 16 teams. The opponents are all strong, but we have prepared thoroughly and will fight with all our might in every match." Regarding the opening opponent, Ly Duc acknowledged U23 Jordan’s clear physical and playing style advantages: "Jordan has many tall players and plays long balls very well. The coaching staff has analyzed carefully to limit their strengths. U23 Vietnam will play with more than 200% effort."

According to the schedule, at 6:30 PM on January 6th (Vietnam time), U23 Vietnam will kick off against U23 Jordan, followed by matches against Kyrgyzstan (January 9th) and Saudi Arabia (January 12th). The last-minute squad shortages force Coach Kim Sang Sik’s team to demonstrate resilience, unity, and a spirit of overcoming adversity.

The Korean coach emphasized: "Difficulties are unavoidable. What matters is that we maintain humility, fighting spirit, and belief in ourselves."