Vietnam U19 receives its first challenge in Indonesia

Vietnam U19 had their initial practice in Medan (Indonesia), diligently finalizing their readiness ahead of the 2026 ASEAN U19 Championship campaign.

Vietnam U19 is entering the final stage of preparation for the 2026 ASEAN U19 Championship with a determined spirit. On the afternoon of May 29, coach Yutaka Ikeuchi and his players held their first training session in the city of Medan (Indonesia), just one day after the entire team arrived in the host country. This is considered an important warm-up before the team's opening match in early June.

After a long journey from Vietnam to Indonesia, the players quickly settled into their accommodations and began training at a relatively high intensity. The coaching staff proactively designed a program focused on movement and physical recovery to help the team overcome inertia and regain match sharpness after the long flight. In addition, small-group coordination drills and ball-feel exercises were carried out throughout the session.

Vietnam U19's first training session took place under quite hot weather conditions, with temperatures in Medan around 32°C. However, having previously endured hot practice days in Hanoi helped the players adapt without too much difficulty. This is considered a key advantage for the team to quickly acclimate to the competition environment in Indonesia, especially given the dense group-stage schedule.

According to observations from the coaching staff, all players showed a serious training attitude and high determination. Despite the long journey, the team still completed the prescribed workload well. A stable physical foundation and enthusiasm in each exercise are positive signals for coach Yutaka Ikeuchi as he refines the squad framework for this tournament.

Not only are the weather conditions favorable for adaptation, but the training ground and facilities in Medan are also assessed to meet professional requirements well. This allows the coaching staff to fully implement tactical and fitness plans in the remaining days before the official match. The entire team is maintaining high focus with the goal of achieving a smooth start.

At the 2026 ASEAN U19 Championship, Vietnam U19 is placed in Group A alongside hosts Indonesia, Myanmar, and Timor Leste. According to the schedule, coach Yutaka Ikeuchi and his players will face Timor Leste on June 1, Myanmar on June 4, and then the notable match against hosts Indonesia on June 7. With thorough preparation and great determination, Vietnam U19 aims to make a strong impression at this year's tournament.