After winning gold at the 33rd SEA Games, U23 Vietnam now faces the significant challenge of preparing for the 2026 AFC U23 Championship. For coach Kim Sang Sik and his team, this continental tournament demands more than celebration-it calls for transformation.

U23 Vietnam has been drawn into Group A alongside U23 Jordan, U23 Kyrgyzstan, and hosts U23 Saudi Arabia. According to the schedule, Dinh Bac and teammates will face Jordan on January 6, Kyrgyzstan on January 9, and Saudi Arabia on January 12.

The team’s primary goal is to advance past the group stage. While experts view this group as relatively manageable, coach Kim acknowledges that victories over Jordan and Kyrgyzstan are essential, and the clash with Saudi Arabia will be a stern test.

“We began preparing for the AFC U23 Championship immediately after SEA Games,” said Kim Sang Sik. “I want the players to quickly move past the SEA Games success and focus fully on the upcoming continental mission.”

The South Korean strategist emphasized that no team in the AFC U23 Championship is easy to beat. However, with the confidence gained from recent tournaments, U23 Vietnam is determined to achieve strong results-starting with the goal of progressing beyond the group stage and pushing deeper into the tournament.

To meet this goal, Kim stressed that U23 Vietnam must make key changes from their SEA Games campaign. Beyond squad selection, the team must improve its playing style, technical skills, physical conditioning, and mental strength.

“With the shortcomings we still have, we are working to improve physical fitness, fighting spirit, and tactical organization,” Kim noted. “Tactics such as the 3-4-3 or 4-4-2 are only part of football. What truly determines the outcome of a match is the players’ abilities. They need to refine their skills, especially in passing and finishing. When individual quality improves, the team naturally improves too.”

U23 Vietnam will have over 10 days to prepare for the tournament. Coach Kim Sang Sik believes this time will be enough to unveil a stronger, more complete version of the team at the Asian stage.

He also reminded his players not to be content with the SEA Games gold medal or other 2025 achievements, as the competition at the AFC U23 Championship will be at a much higher level.

“In the AFC U23 Championship, we’ll face tough opponents. Through our tactical meetings and analyses, we’re addressing the areas where we fell short to perform better in this tournament,” said Kim.

“Before the SEA Games, our players had already played against South Korea, China, and Uzbekistan. They showed quality performances, so I believe U23 Vietnam will play well at the AFC U23 Championship 2026.”

Dai Nam