The draw placed U17 Vietnam in Group G alongside Mali, Belgium and New Zealand - a challenging group for coach Cristiano Roland’s side, though progression remains within reach.

From this moment, Cristiano Roland and his coaching staff are likely already mapping out plans for each opponent. The Southeast Asian representatives are aiming to secure a place in the quarter-finals.

Among the three opponents, Belgium are considered the strongest team in the group. Belgian football is renowned for its technical quality and modern tactical philosophy, while the country’s youth development system ranks among the world’s elite.

For that reason, causing an upset against Belgium would be extremely difficult for U17 Vietnam. Their most realistic objective may be to keep the scoreline respectable. It will not be an easy task, but with thorough preparation in every aspect, Nguyen Luc and his teammates could make it happen.

The next major challenge in Group G is Mali. The African side are former U17 Africa Cup champions and finished runners-up at the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup, fourth in 2017 and third in 2023. At the most recent U17 World Cup, Mali defeated Saudi Arabia and cruised past New Zealand before advancing to the knockout stage as group runners-up behind Austria.

Against Mali, U17 Vietnam’s target is likely to be a draw. The African side rely heavily on power, athleticism and rapid transitions, qualities that can trouble any opponent. These are areas Cristiano Roland’s players will need to study carefully and prepare for in detail.

Under tournament regulations, the top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will progress to the knockout stage after the group phase.

Vietnam view the final group-stage match against New Zealand as the decisive encounter. At the last U17 World Cup, New Zealand failed to make it beyond the group stage.

Vietnamese youth football has previously produced encouraging results against Australia - a footballing nation generally rated above New Zealand - giving U17 Vietnam every reason to believe they can compete on equal terms, and potentially defeat New Zealand to keep their hopes of qualification alive.

Dai Nam