The mission of the Vietnam U21 team

The mission of the Vietnam U21 team

The 11th meeting of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) of the 9th term (2022-2026) discussed and planned to send the Vietnam U21 team to participate in the 2026 Asian Games (ASIAD).

VFF Vice President Nguyen Xuan Vu stated: "Most countries, such as Japan and South Korea, usually send their U20 teams to the ASIAD to build momentum for the Olympics. Vietnamese football is also aiming for the 2028 Olympics, so sending the national U21 team to the 2026 ASIAD is an important preparatory step."

The Vietnam U21 team will participate in the 2026 ASIAD. Photo: VFF

Furthermore, another reason is that in 2027, this group of players will compete in the 34th SEA Games in Malaysia. Therefore, the players will have more opportunities to gain experience. We have submitted a request to the Vietnam Department of Sports and Physical Education stating that we may not aim for success at the ASIAD. The goal is to nurture and train the U21 team for the SEA Games and the Olympics."

The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) aims to qualify for the Olympic Games for the first time, but this is very difficult. In previous Olympics, men's football had 16 participating teams, with 4 slots allocated to Asia. The 2028 Olympics will reduce the number to 12 teams, leaving Asia with only two slots. This means that to qualify for the Olympics, teams must reach the final of the U23 Asian Championship.

Previously, the VFF (Vietnam Football Federation) facilitated the participation of the Vietnam U20 team in the 19th Asian Games and the 2023 Southeast Asian U23 Championship. In that tournament, the Vietnam U23 team was eliminated in the group stage. The team only managed one victory against Mongolia, while losing to Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Looking back at the list of players who were called up for ASIAD 19, some notable faces such as Khuat Van Khang, Nguyen Dinh Bac, Bui Vi Hao, and Nguyen Thanh Nhan are all key players of the Vietnam U23 team preparing for the 2026 U23 Asian Championship. These players helped Vietnamese football win its third gold medal.

Therefore, the VFF (Vietnam Football Federation) always prioritizes systematic investment, focusing on developing internal strengths and training young players. With seven national teams and youth teams qualifying for the 2025 and 2026 Asian Championships, along with outstanding achievements at the 33rd SEA Games and other regional competitions, 2025 will be a year of comprehensive success for Vietnamese football.

The results achieved not only reflect the efforts and determination of the teams, coaches, and players, but also demonstrate the clear effectiveness of the VFF's well-directed, systematic, and in-depth investment strategy.

By consistently prioritizing internal development and youth training, harmoniously combining immediate achievements with long-term goals, and focusing on improving professional quality, organization, and management, Vietnamese football has maintained stability, continuity, and competitiveness in the context of a constantly evolving regional and continental landscape.

Therefore, the achievements of 2025 not only represent successes but also create an important foundation for Vietnamese football to continue consolidating its position in Southeast Asia, gradually affirming its image and competitiveness on the continental football map, and aiming for higher goals in the next phase of development.

Compared to the current U23 team, the current Vietnam U21 squad only has a few players who are eligible to participate in next year's ASIAD, including goalkeeper Nguyen Tan, Cao Van Binh (2005), midfielders Le Van Thuan, Nguyen Cong Phuong (2006), and striker Nguyen Le Phat (2007). Among these, Cao Van Binh is one of the players who was previously called up to prepare for ASIAD 19.

The U21 Vietnamese players participating in ASIAD 20 will have the opportunity to gain experience and prepare for practical goals at the SEA Games or, further afield, the Olympics. This is also appropriate in the current context of Vietnamese football.

Source: https://cand.com.vn/the-thao/su-menh-cua-u21-viet-nam--i792404/