U23 Vietnam take the first step

U23 Vietnam will be the first national team to take the continental stage this year, competing at the AFC U23 Championship in Saudi Arabia.

Coach Kim Sang Sik’s men are not only expected to deliver on the pitch, but are also seen as the opening act of symbolic significance - a form of good fortune - for a year packed with critical footballing goals across all levels of Vietnamese football.

Leading the charge, Dinh Bac and his teammates represent the opening push in a year of great ambition. Following in their wake are the senior men’s national team aiming for the ASEAN Cup, the women’s team with hopes of reaching their second World Cup, and the Olympic team preparing for the Asian Games. These form a tight sequence of competitions where the success - or struggles - of the opening squad may set the tone for what follows.

After a remarkable 2025 that saw them win the AFF U23 Championship and clinch gold at the 33rd SEA Games, Coach Kim Sang Sik’s squad now steps onto the continental stage with expectations soaring higher than ever.

The weight of expectation

Officially, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has not set overly ambitious targets for U23 Vietnam at the AFC U23 Championship. But both the coach and the players are well aware that success - measured in the manner expected of a regional powerhouse - is essential.

Getting through the group stage is seen as a minimum requirement for the Korean coach and his players. Not only would that mark an achievement on its own, but it could serve as a psychological springboard, lending “good luck” to Vietnamese football’s broader 2026 campaign - a concept that may sound superstitious, but remains influential in the sport.

More than results, U23 Vietnam need to show a new identity compared to their past regional performances. They must display poise and resolve against Asian opponents who are often rated more highly at this level.

The greatest pressure lies in proving that the VFF’s long-term investment is paying off. Every match is a test not just of the team, but of a developmental vision that stretches beyond this one tournament.

A win would create excitement and momentum, offering a psychological boost to the squads that follow. Conversely, a poor showing could cast a shadow over Vietnam’s footballing ambitions for the entire year.

Being the first to step forward is never an easy role. But if U23 Vietnam can rise to the occasion, they won’t just be opening a new chapter - they’ll be laying a foundation for an even bigger leap forward in Vietnamese football.

Duy Nguyen