According to the draw for the men's football tournament at ASIAD 2026, Vietnam U23 have been placed in Group C alongside Uzbekistan U23, the Philippines U23 and Kuwait U23.

The group is considered relatively favorable for Vietnam U23.

Under the provisional schedule, Vietnam will open their campaign against the Philippines on Sept. 15, before facing Kuwait on Sept. 18 and Uzbekistan U23 on Sept. 21.

The top two teams in each group will advance to the quarterfinals, which are scheduled to begin on Sept. 24.

The semifinals will take place on Sept. 30, while the bronze-medal match and final are scheduled for Oct. 3.

With a promising young squad under coach Kim Sang Sik, Vietnam U23 are expected to progress beyond the group stage and aim to make their mark at ASIAD 2026.

The 2026 Asian Games will be held in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan, from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4.

In the men's football tournament, teams are permitted to include three over-age players in addition to their U23 squads.

The women's football competition, meanwhile, is contested by senior national teams.

The Vietnam Football Federation has decided to send its U21 team to the 20th Asian Games instead of the U23 side as part of preparations for Vietnam football's longer-term objectives.

Thien Binh