U23 Vietnam at Asiad 2026: Quarterfinals as a milestone, but not the final destination

Quarterfinals are wide open VFF set the target of reaching the quarterfinals at Asiad 2026, and this milestone is completely within the reach of U23 Vietnam, considering the current squad. Among the 23 players, up to 16 were part of the training camp in July. That period of working together has created a certain stability, from the system's operation to the understanding between positions. The seven new faces compared to the recent camp — Ly Duc, Quang Kiet, Pham Minh Phuc, Le Phat, Ngoc My — are not entirely unfamiliar players. Most of the 23 players attending Asiad have already played one or two seasons in V-League, along with experience at youth levels or most recently the U23 Asian Championship. Therefore, when entering Asiad, the red-shirted team remains among the most experienced squads. The fact that U23 Vietnam shares a group with Uzbekistan, Kuwait, and the Philippines is certainly not easy. Uzbekistan is the most formidable opponent, but the opportunity to compete for the top two positions remains open. If they make good use of matches against Kuwait and the Philippines, coach Dinh Hong Vinh's students can completely secure a quarterfinal spot. Moreover, U23 Vietnam can even think about replicating the achievements of their predecessors — reaching the semifinals or even winning a medal. But quarterfinals are not the final destination Where U23 Vietnam will go at Asiad 2026 remains to be seen in reality. But one thing is certain: the continent's biggest sports event is being used by coach Kim Sang Sik as another test for the U23 generation that won bronze at the U23 Asian Championship earlier this year. That is also why VFF and coach Kim Sang Sik changed their plan from sending a U21 team to fielding an almost strongest squad — a move that has meaning beyond a single tournament. Specifically, coach Kim Sang Sik definitely has plans for the future of Vietnam national team, after Asian Cup 2027. Naturally, the current U23 Vietnam players are part of that plan. And to have a chance, U23 players must put themselves in the Korean tactician's sight through performances against quality opponents they will face at Asiad. Of course, Asiad is just one of many tests for U23 Vietnam players, alongside regular performances in V-League or the First Division, which has just started its new season. It can be seen that Asiad is not a ticket to immediately step up to the national team, but it is considered a key for U23 Vietnam to prove their capability to Mr. Kim Sang Sik as well as club coaches. Only when they gradually secure starting positions in V-League will the door to the national team open wider. Strategic context: Asiad as a comprehensive test When VFF set the quarterfinal target, not everyone saw the deeper layers behind it. For coach Kim Sang Sik, who has led the national team for nearly two years, using Asiad to evaluate the U23 players is a deliberate move. Unlike previous Asiad editions, when Vietnam often sent U21 or U22 teams, this time summoning an almost strongest squad indicates a clear shift: viewing this as a launchpad for the next generation, especially after Asian Cup 2027 ends and many key players may retire. Players like Ly Duc, Quang Kiet, Pham Minh Phuc... are no strangers; they have already played in V-League, First Division, and international youth tournaments. The stability from the July training camp helps coach Dinh Hong Vinh build a cohesive framework ready to compete with Asia's top opponents. Opponent analysis: Uzbekistan – the favorite, Kuwait and Philippines – opportunities Uzbekistan has always been a powerhouse in Asian youth tournaments. With superior physicality and technique, they are rated highest in the group. However, U23 Vietnam has surprised Central Asian teams before with disciplined play and sharp counter-attacks. Kuwait and the Philippines are more manageable opponents. Kuwait has football tradition but is in a rebuilding phase. Philippines, despite good physical attributes, lacks tactical cohesion. If U23 Vietnam earns 4-6 points from these two, advancing is entirely feasible. The key is not to be complacent, as Asiad is an arena where any individual mistake can be costly. The role of coach Kim Sang Sik and long-term planning It's no coincidence that coach Kim Sang Sik directly observed U23 Vietnam's training sessions ahead of Asiad. He is building a personnel pathway for the national team, where current U23 players will be core members in the next 4-5 years. Asiad is an opportunity for them to prove their ability to adapt to pressure, strong opponents, and high tactical demands. An impressive performance in South Korea will be a passport for them to be called up to the senior team for AFF Cup or World Cup qualifiers. Conversely, if they only stop at the group stage, many players will have to wait for other chances — and that's not easy. Quarterfinals – not the final destination, but a stepping stone If U23 Vietnam passes the group stage, the quarterfinals will be a true test of character. Opponents at this stage are often experienced teams like Japan, South Korea, Iran, or Saudi Arabia. To go further, U23 Vietnam needs to improve finishing and chance conversion — a persistent weakness of Vietnamese youth football. But with coach Dinh Hong Vinh at the helm, who led the team to a U23 Asian bronze, confidence is justified. Moreover, team spirit and support from fans will be a huge motivation. Conclusion Asiad 2026 is not just a tournament but a comprehensive test for U23 Vietnam players. The quarterfinals are a concrete target, but real success lies in outstanding individuals stepping up to the national team and asserting their positions. With a seasoned squad, thorough preparation, and long-term strategy from coach Kim Sang Sik, U23 Vietnam can write a beautiful story in the land of kimchi.