After a 15-month hiatus, coach Hoang Anh Tuan is set to lead the Vietnam U16 national team. This return marks a significant step as the team prepares for the 2027 U17 Asian Championship finals. Having reached the quarterfinals of the 2026 tournament and secured a spot in the FIFA U17 World Cup 2026, the team will bypass the November qualifying rounds, gaining direct entry into the 2027 U17 Asian Championship finals as one of 9 teams.

The U16 team will compete in the annual CFA Team China friendly tournament in Liaoning, China. Their schedule includes matches against Australia on 24/9, the host nation on 27/9, and Kyrgyzstan on 30/9. This tournament serves as a crucial phase for player selection, development, and accumulating international experience in preparation for the 2027 finals.

In October, Tuan is also slated to coach the national team at the FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival 2026, which will take place from 22/10 to 31/10 in Baku, Azerbaijan. FIFA's ambition is to gather 211 teams from 211 member associations, aiming to establish the largest youth football event in history.

Born in 1968, Hoang Anh Tuan assisted the late coach Phan Thanh Hung for the Vietnam national team in 2012. His career shifted to youth development in 2015. He notably coached the 1997-born generation, which produced future stars such as Nguyen Quang Hai, Tran Dinh Trong, and Doan Van Hau. His teams were U19 Southeast Asian Championship runners-up in 2015 and 4th at the 2016 U19 Asian Championship, leading to Vietnam's first FIFA U17 World Cup appearance in 2017.

Coach Hoang Anh Tuan celebrates after Vietnam drew 0-0 with Indonesia and won 6-5 on penalties in the 2023 U23 Southeast Asian Championship final at Rayong Stadium, Thailand on 26/8/2023. *Photo: Lam Thoa*

The Khanh Hoa-born coach continued his success by winning the 2022 U23 Southeast Asian Championship, participating in ASIAD 19, and reaching the quarterfinals of the 2024 U23 Asian Championship. Beyond coaching, Tuan held management roles, including Head of Coaching at the PVF Youth Football Training Center in Hung Yen, and technical director for several First and Second Division clubs.

Hoang Anh Tuan's most recent managerial role was with Bac Ninh club in the Second Division in 5/2025. His previous experience includes leading Khanh Hoa club (2007-2012), Hai Phong (2013-2014), and Binh Duong – now Becamex TP HCM (2024). Meanwhile, the U17 national team, heading to the World Cup in Qatar in November, will be under the guidance of Brazilian coach Cristiano Roland.

Hieu Luong