Vietnam U17 team qualifies for the World Cup for the first time.

In the early hours of May 14th, the Vietnam U17 team defeated UAE 3-2 in their final group stage match, securing their place in the quarter-finals of the Asian Championship and a ticket to the U17 World Cup in Qatar.

In the final match, the Vietnam U17 team needed at least one point to determine their own fate. Coach Cristian Roland's squad brilliantly accomplished this task, even exceeding expectations to write a new chapter in the history of Vietnamese youth football.

After the group stage, Vietnam U17 has 6 points, ranking first in Group C, ahead of South Korea (5 points). Le Sy Bach and his teammates will face Australia U17 in the quarterfinals. More importantly, Vietnam U17 will be participating in the world -level tournament for the first time, starting on November 19th this year.

At the 2026 U17 World Cup, Vietnam will participate along with eight other Asian representatives: Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.

Vietnam U17 team participates in the World Cup for the first time. Photo: VFF.

A surprise occurred right from the first minute. In an attack immediately following the opening whistle, the UAE U17 team scored the opening goal. Sultan Al Mheiri seized the opportunity to unleash a cool shot inside the penalty area, leaving Ly Xuan Hoa helpless.

After gaining the advantage, UAE dropped deep into a defensive formation, allowing Vietnam U17 to control the game. A series of opportunities were created towards the opponent's goal, but Nguyen Van Duong and Nguyen Minh Thuy unfortunately missed them.

The Vietnam U17 team played with a never-give-up spirit. Photo: VFF.

The efforts of the red-shirted team were rewarded in the 41st minute. From a free kick just outside the 16.5-meter line, Chu Ngoc Nguyen Luc sent the ball into the far corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance to save it.

The halftime break did not dampen the enthusiasm of the Vietnam U17 team. Just two minutes into the second half, the UAE net was shaken for the second time, after a precise close-range shot by Nguyen Van Duong.

Although UAE U17 equalized after Adam Mahrous's long-range shot in the 56th minute, Vietnam U17 needed only 13 minutes to regain the lead. Nguyen Manh Cuong headed the ball into the net from a corner kick.

Vietnam U17 starting lineup. Photo: VFF.

Source: https://znews.vn/u17-viet-nam-lan-dau-gianh-ve-du-world-cup-post1651342.html