The Vietnamese U.23 team is very promising.

Despite using a core group of U.21 players, the Vietnamese U.23 team promises to create many surprises at the CFA China Team 2026 and further afield at ASIAD 20 because coach Dinh Hong Vinh has at his disposal a squad of extremely high-quality players.

On March 13th, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) announced the list of players called up for the Vietnam U23 team to prepare for the CFA China Team 2026 international friendly tournament. The performance of these young stars is highly anticipated, as coach Vinh may field a team composed entirely of players with experience in the V-League .

In the goalkeeper position, Cao Van Binh (SLNA, born in 2005) is a name worth noting. He recently shone brightly, helping the Vietnam U23 team defeat South Korea in the bronze medal match of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship, and is highly regarded for his good reflexes and relatively mature command of the defense for his age.

Cong Phuong (18) once scored the only goal to help Vietnam U.23 win against Indonesia in the 2025 Southeast Asian U.23 final.

PHOTO: DONG NGUYEN KHANG

The defense also boasts several promising players. Nguyen Bao Long (PVF-CAND, born in 2005) is a left-back who has played extensively in the First Division and V-League, and is familiar with the Vietnamese youth national teams. Similarly, center-backs Le Nguyen Hoang (SLNA, 2005) and Dinh Quang Kiet (HAGL, 2007) are also present. The midfield of the Vietnam U23 team also includes many players who have previously gained attention in the national youth teams. Thai Ba Dat (PVF-CAND, 2005), Nguyen Quang Vinh (SLNA, 2005), and Tran Thanh Trung ( Ninh Binh Club, 2005) are midfielders with good technique and the ability to control the tempo of the game.

Most notably, the attacking stars remain. Nguyen Cong Phuong (The Cong Viettel Club, 2006), Le Van Thuan (Ninh Binh Club, 2006), and Nguyen Le Phat (Ninh Binh Club, 2007) have proven their abilities by participating in the extremely successful journey of the Vietnam U23 team over the past year, winning titles such as: the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship, the SEA Games 33 gold medal, and the 2026 Asian U23 Championship bronze medal. In addition, Nguyen Dang Duong (The Cong Viettel Club, 2005) and Nguyen Minh Tam (HAGL, 2005) are also quality center forwards.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/lua-u23-viet-nam-day-trien-vong-185260313225040237.htm