Vietnam’s futsal team are determined to start strong as they face Kuwait in their opening match of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026. The Group B clash kicks off at 5:00 p.m. on January 27.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, head coach Diego Giustozzi emphasized that full focus and intensity are essential if Vietnam hope to secure three points.

“All teams in Asia enter this tournament with strong ambition. Our target is to advance from the group stage, but we must start by concentrating fully on the first match,” said the Argentine coach. “If we don’t play with 100% performance and focus, we could lose to any opponent.”

Vietnam head into the tournament as winners of Group E in the qualifiers. The team has spent months preparing with a new emphasis on youth development and a more aggressive playing style, following their unsuccessful campaign in the 2024 edition, which ended without a World Cup qualification.

“That was a big lesson for us,” Giustozzi admitted. “Since then, we’ve focused on building a younger, more attacking team. We have six or seven players who are just 20 or 21 years old. They need more playing time and experience, but we believe in them.”

Giustozzi is confident in the team’s direction, despite acknowledging the challenges of working with a developing squad. “This group is young, energetic, and passionate. They’re not yet fully balanced, but we’re helping them improve. I’m sure this is the right path toward our goal of reaching the 2028 World Cup.”

As part of their final preparations, the coaching staff has focused not only on physical conditioning and tactics, but also on reviewing real-game situations to help players better understand how to adapt and execute under pressure.

A boost for the team comes with the return of key player Chau Doan Phat, who is back from injury. The rest of the squad is also in good health ahead of the opener.

Kuwait, meanwhile, qualified as one of the best second-placed teams from the preliminary round. The West Asian side is no stranger to Vietnam, with both teams having faced each other several times in both official matches and friendlies - with balanced outcomes overall.

In Group B, Thailand are widely considered the top seed, while Lebanon remains an unpredictable contender. As such, Vietnam’s match against Kuwait is being seen as a pivotal moment that could shape their path to the quarterfinals.

Vietnam will play Lebanon on January 29 and Thailand on January 31, making the opening fixture a vital test of momentum and confidence.

Dai Nam