Vietnam’s U17 players received a warm reception from supporters at Noi Bai International Airport on May 18 after returning home from the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup, where they secured a historic place at the FIFA U17 World Cup for the first time.

The team arrived in Hanoi following an emotional campaign in Saudi Arabia that ended with a quarter-final finish under head coach Cristiano Roland.

Although Vietnam were unable to progress further in the tournament, the squad still made history by earning the country’s first-ever qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup.

Large crowds of fans gathered at the airport to welcome the young players, many of whom stopped to sign autographs and interact with supporters.

Brazilian coach Cristiano Roland was presented with flowers by representatives of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) in recognition of the team’s achievements.

The Brazilian tactician has been widely praised for his work with Vietnam’s youth teams after helping the side win the Southeast Asian championship and qualify for the World Cup within a short period.

Speaking after returning home, Roland said he felt extremely proud of the players’ efforts and development throughout the campaign.

“My coaching staff and I are very proud of what the players showed and achieved,” he said. “Completing two major objectives - winning the Southeast Asian title and qualifying for the 2026 World Cup - in such a short period is something very positive.”

Roland said the team had grown stronger and more united after consecutive tournaments and credited the players for their attention to detail and determination during the Asian Cup.

He noted that Vietnam managed three difficult matches successfully by focusing on small tactical details and learning from earlier mistakes.

The coach also stressed that qualifying for the World Cup was only the beginning and that the team still needed significant preparation ahead of the global tournament later this year.

“The upcoming World Cup journey requires extremely careful preparation, from physical strength to the smallest details, so the players can deliver their best performances,” he said.

Following the tournament, the players will return to their clubs to continue training and compete in domestic youth competitions before regrouping for World Cup preparations.

Roland himself is set to resume duties at Hanoi FC, where he will continue working with the club’s youth teams.

He also expressed gratitude to Hanoi FC leadership, including club chairman Do Vinh Quang and businessman Bau Hien, for allowing him to take charge of the national U17 side.

Midfielder Nguyen Luc was among the standout performers during the tournament and has emerged as one of the most highly rated young talents in Vietnam’s youth system.

The FIFA U17 World Cup 2026 will take place in Qatar from November 19 to December 13 and feature 48 of the world’s top youth national teams.

VFF leaders have pledged special investment and preparation plans to support Vietnam’s first appearance at the tournament.

Dai Nam