The 30-player squad was announced this afternoon. All players were born in 2005 or later. This tournament serves as preparation for the U21 team's participation in the Asian Games - ASIAD 2026 in Japan in September, followed by the SEA Games 2027 in Malaysia, and the U23 Asian Championship 2028, which also acts as an Olympic qualifier.
The CFA Team China Cup 2026 will be held in Xi'an city, Shaanxi province. Vietnam will face North Korea on 25/3, Thailand on 28/3, and China on 31/3.
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Goalkeeper Cao Van Binh played in the match where Vietnam drew 2-2 with South Korea, then won 7-6 in a penalty shootout to claim the bronze medal at the U23 Asian Championship 2026 in Saudi Arabia. *Photo: AFC* |
In their most recent encounters, Vietnam lost 0-3 to China in the U23 Asian Championship 2026 semi-finals, and defeated Thailand 3-2 in the SEA Games 33 final. The team also lost 1-2 to North Korea in the U23 Asian Championship 2020 group stage.
This U23 friendly tournament has been organized annually by China since 2024, aiming to provide competitive experience for players under 23 years old. Vietnam has been a regular participant, having competed in all three previous editions. The host nation and three invited teams play in a single round-robin format to determine the rankings.
In September 2024, Vietnam lost 1-2 to China, 0-2 to Uzbekistan, and beat Malaysia 2-1. In March 2025, Vietnam drew 1-1 with South Korea and China, and 0-0 with Uzbekistan. In November 2025, Vietnam defeated China 1-0, then lost 0-1 to both Uzbekistan and South Korea.
Mr. Dinh Hong Vinh has been appointed as interim coach for the third time, having served in this capacity for three previous editions of the tournament. Meanwhile, head coach Kim Sang-sik is currently with the national team, preparing for their match against Malaysia in the final qualifiers for the Asian Cup 2027 on 31/3.
Vietnam U23 National Football Team Squad
Goalkeepers (3): Cao Van Binh (SLNA), Pham Dinh Hai (Ha Noi), Hoa Xuan Tin (Ho Chi Minh City)
Defenders (11): Nguyen Bao Long, Nguyen Anh Tuan, Quach Quang Huy, Le Thang Long, Nguyen Quoc Toan (PVF-CAND), Truong Nhac Minh (Ho Chi Minh City), Dinh Quang Kiet (HAGL), Nguyen Trung Nguyen, Mai Quoc Tu (Da Nang), Tran Hai Anh (Quang Ninh), Nguyen Canh Tai (Ha Noi), Vu Quoc Anh (Hai Phong)
Midfielders (11): Tran Thanh Trung, Le Van Thuan (Ninh Binh), Quach Quang Huy, Thai Ba Dat (PVF-CAND), Nguyen Cong Phuong (The Cong), Nguyen Quang Vinh, Le Dinh Long Vu, Nguyen Trong Tuan (SLNA), Le Nguyen Van Tho, Vadim Nguyen (Da Nang), Ta Xuan Truong (Ninh Binh Sports Center II)
Forwards (5): Nguyen Dang Duong (The Cong), Nguyen Le Phat (Ninh Binh FC), Nguyen Anh Tuan (PVF-CAND), Nguyen Minh Tam (HAGL), Nguyen Trong Son (Bac Ninh).
*Hieu Luong*
