Vietnam U19 steps up preparation ahead of Timor Leste clash, coach Yutaka Ikeuchi attends press conference

Head coach Yutaka Ikeuchi and the Vietnam U19 team captain are set to attend a press conference before the 2026 Southeast Asian U19 Championship. The entire team is ready for the first match against Timor Leste U19 at 4:00 PM on June 1.

According to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), on the morning of May 31, head coach Yutaka Ikeuchi and coaching staff members will take part in the technical meeting and press conference ahead of the group stage of the tournament.

That same afternoon, Vietnam U19 will hold their final training session to complete preparations for the opening match.

This is also when the coaching staff will finalize the official 23-player squad for the 2026 ASEAN U19 Championship, aiming for a positive result in the first game to build momentum for this year's competition.

On the afternoon of May 30, Vietnam U19 continued to train at a high intensity in Medan, Indonesia, in preparation for the tournament's opening day.

The 60-minute session featured an adjusted workload appropriate for the approaching match. Players focused on group coordination drills, improving connections between lines, and sharpening finishing efficiency.

After two days in Medan, the team has demonstrated a strong adaptation to the weather, pitch conditions, and competitive environment.

The players' training morale remains high, providing a favorable foundation for the coaching staff to finalize the last personnel and tactical decisions for the opening match.

Before the afternoon training, Vietnam U19 took part in an integrity and youth player protection awareness program conducted by the tournament organizers at the team's hotel.

This is a mandatory activity for all participating teams, aimed at raising awareness among players and team members about preventing corruption in football and safeguarding young players.

Vietnam U19 is in Group A and will face Timor Leste U19 (June 1), Myanmar U19 (June 4), and host Indonesia U19 (June 7) in succession.

The 2026 ASEAN U19 Championship is seen as a crucial preparation step for coach Yutaka Ikeuchi and his players as they aim for the 2027 AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers.