What are the chances for the Vietnam U17 team?

(NLĐO) - Compared to other Asian representatives, Vietnam's U17 team is in a relatively easier group at the 2026 U17 World Cup.

Extremely unpredictable

The draw in Zurich (Switzerland) placed Vietnam U17 in Group G of the 2026 U17 World Cup, alongside Mali, New Zealand, and Belgium. These are all opponents that the "Golden Star Warriors" have never faced before.

Mali's U17 team caused a shock by convincingly defeating Argentina's U17 team in the third-place match at the 2023 U17 World Cup (Photo: AP)

In this group, the Belgian U17 team represents the technically oriented style of European football. For many years, the "Red Devils" have possessed a high-quality training system, modern ball control, and consistent tactical thinking. In the Round of 32 of last year's World Cup, Belgium narrowly lost to Portugal U17, the team that went on to win the tournament. They were also the only team to score against the "European Selecao" in the knockout stages.

The "giant" in Group G is Mali U17, a top seed. Statistically, Belgium U17 has never beaten this African representative at the World Cup. In 2025, the "Eagles" only lost one match in the group stage, against the reigning runner-up, Austria U17.

More importantly, the West African team's greatest strength lies in their abundant physical fitness and ability to dominate in one-on-one challenges. This is a weakness that coach Cristiano Roland's team clearly demonstrated in the recent continental tournament. The difference in physique and strength could put Vietnam U17 at a disadvantage if they choose to play an attacking game or constantly press against Mali.

Currently, the Mali U17 team has reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 African U17 Championship. However, as the reigning continental runners-up, their results in the group stage were not entirely convincing. They drew with Angola and Mozambique, two opponents considered significantly weaker, and only secured their World Cup qualification thanks to a 2-1 victory against Tanzania U17 in the final match.

The goal is to score points.

This is the second consecutive year that the Mali U17 and New Zealand U17 teams have been drawn into the same group at the World Cup. In last year's tournament, the Oceania team suffered a heavy 0-3 defeat against the West African representative in their opening match.

New Zealand U17 (right) has dominated Oceania for many years but has yet to make a significant impact at the World Cup (Photo: FIFA)

Compared to Belgium and Mali U17, New Zealand U17 is relatively weaker and the most suitable opponent for the "Golden Star Warriors" to aim for points against. Despite completely dominating the Oceania U17 Championship since 2007, the "All Whites" have only won one U17 World Cup in their last four appearances.

The New Zealand U17 team has a playing style quite similar to the Australian U17 team. They possess ideal physiques, often exploit aerial balls and crosses from the flanks, but are not overwhelmingly superior in technique or control of the game. If coach Cristiano Roland's team can manage their energy wisely throughout each match, Chu Ngoc Nguyen Luc and his teammates can compete on equal terms with this representative.

The Vietnam U17 team has never faced any opponent in Group G at the 2026 U17 World Cup before (Photo: VFF)

Overall, Group G is certainly not easy, but it's not as difficult as the groups of U17 Australia or China. U17 Vietnam will be considered the underdog against Belgium and Mali, but the possibility of earning points against New Zealand is entirely feasible.

The 2026 U17 World Cup will take place from November 19 to December 13 in Qatar.

With 48 teams participating, the eight best third-placed teams from the group stage will also qualify for the round of 32. Therefore, points in any match are extremely important.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/co-hoi-nao-cho-u17-viet-nam-tai-world-cup-2026-196260522083722386.htm