Where to watch the live draw of the men's football at the 2026 Asian Games?

At 11:30 AM today, July 23 (Vietnam time), the organizing committee of the 2026 Asian Games will conduct the group draw for men's football in Nagoya, Japan. As a top seed, the Vietnam U23 team is expected to receive a favorable draw on their path to a deep run at the Asian Games.

Live broadcast the draw ceremony for men's football at the 2026 Asian Games where?

• Time: 11:30 AM on July 23, 2026 (Vietnam time).
• Venue: Hilton Nagoya Hotel, Japan.
• Live channel: Official YouTube channel of the 2026 Asian Games Organizing Committee (AINAGOC/OCA).

The draw for team sports at the 2026 Asian Games will start from 11:30 AM to 3:50 PM (Vietnam time), with football being one of the most anticipated events. Earlier, the opening ceremony will take place from 11:00 AM, with the attendance of leaders from the Asian Games Organizing Committee, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), the Japan Sports Agency, and the Japanese Olympic Committee.

After the draw, the organizing committee will also hold a press conference and announce the group results for the team sports.

Key information about the men's football at the 2026 Asian Games

The 20th Asian Games will take place in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, 2026. Football continues to be one of the most anticipated events of the Games.

In the men's football event, 15 teams are participating and will be divided into 4 groups: three groups of 4 teams and one group of 3 teams. After the group stage, the top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals.

Notably, VFF Chairman Tran Quoc Tuan, who is also a member of the AFC Executive Committee and Chairman of the AFC Competitions Committee, has been entrusted by the Asian Football Confederation to serve as the Head of the Men's Football Competition Management Committee for the 2026 Asian Games.

According to the organizing committee's regulations, host Japan will be placed in the first position of Group A, while the remaining teams will be allocated to groups via the draw.

Seed groups for the men's football at the 2026 Asian Games

The seeding is determined based on performances at the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup. Thanks to their impressive showing at the continental tournament, the Vietnam U23 team has been placed in Pot 1, alongside three strong teams: Japan, China, and South Korea.

The specific seed groups:

Pot 1: Japan, China, Vietnam, South Korea.

Pot 2: Uzbekistan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Thailand.

Pot 3: Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Qatar, Philippines.

Pot 4: Kuwait, Hong Kong (China), DPR Korea.

In the women's football event, the Vietnam women's team has also secured their position in Pot 3, alongside Uzbekistan and Bangladesh. This is seen as a basis for the Vietnamese representatives to aim for favorable draws at the 2026 Asian Games.

What scenario awaits the Vietnam U23 team?

Being in Pot 1 helps Vietnam U23 avoid the three title contenders – Japan, South Korea, and China – in the group stage. However, the challenge remains significant as Vietnam U23 will surely face at least one strong opponent from Pot 2, such as Uzbekistan, UAE, or Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Iran, Qatar, and DPR Korea are also names that could create many difficulties if the draw places them in the same group as the Vietnamese representatives.

Conversely, if they fall into a group with opponents like Philippines, Kuwait, or Hong Kong (China), the chances for Vietnam U23 to secure one of the top two spots to reach the quarterfinals will be very bright.

The draw on July 23 therefore holds special significance, partly determining the journey of Vietnam U23 at the 2026 Asian Games and promising to create many exciting groups among the top continental teams.