Vietnam U17 head coach Cristiano Roland is confident his team can compete at the required level when the FIFA U17 World Cup 2026 gets underway, although preparations are still ongoing.

"At this point, Vietnam U17 have reached the intensity and competitive standards required for the World Cup. The players are capable of following the coaching staff's instructions," Roland said. "However, our preparations are not over yet. We still have some time in the UAE, and the players are working hard every day. I believe Vietnam U17 will be in their best physical condition when the group stage begins."

Before departing for the UAE, Roland reduced his squad from 28 to 25 players.

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Vietnam U17 head coach Cristiano Roland is confident his players can make an impact at the 2026 FIFA U17 World Cup.

Explaining the selection process, he said further cuts would be made before the tournament.

"The selection process will continue in the UAE until we have the final 21 players registered for the U17 World Cup. These will be the coaching staff's best choices," he said. "We encourage those who do not make the final squad. Their journey continues, and their careers certainly do not end with this U17 World Cup."

Vietnam U17 World Cup fixtures and ambitions

Vietnam U17 will open their World Cup campaign against Belgium on November 20, followed by New Zealand on November 23 and Mali on November 26.

The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stage.

Asked about the possibility of facing his native Brazil in the knockout rounds, Roland welcomed the prospect but emphasized the importance of focusing on the immediate challenge.

"It would be wonderful to think about the possibility of facing Brazil in the next round. However, we treat every group-stage match as a final, and our first priority is the opening game," he said. "I also tell the players they must have ambition. When they have that desire, they have something to aim for. The coaching staff always teaches them to work seriously to achieve results."

Speed and quick thinking could give Vietnam U17 an edge

Assessing his team's strengths and weaknesses, Roland acknowledged that Vietnam U17 may face opponents with different physical characteristics and footballing backgrounds.

"Not every team at the World Cup has players of the same height, build or physical stature. Their foundations and development pathways are also different," he said. "Given those differences, Vietnam U17 must play smarter to compete on equal terms with our opponents. We need to minimize physical confrontations, move the ball faster and make quicker decisions."

Roland believes these qualities are already among the strengths of Vietnamese players.

"Our players are naturally very agile. We can use our speed to make a difference," he said.

Dai Nam