The 32 participating teams were divided into four seeding pots based on their results from the three most recent tournaments: 2018, 2023, and 2025. Consequently, Vietnam was placed in seeding pot two, having reached the group stage of the finals in 2018 and 2023, and finishing second in their qualifying group in 2025. Additionally, Vietnam is one of seven host nations for the qualifiers, alongside Uzbekistan, Qatar, Thailand, Kyrgyzstan, Cambodia, Bahrain, and Laos.

Following the draw held this afternoon in Malaysia, Vietnam finds itself in group C with top seed Iran, third seed North Korea, and fourth seed Palestine.

The Vietnam squad prepares for the U19 Southeast Asian Championship 2026 in Indonesia. *Photo: VFF*

The U20 Asia Cup 2027 qualifiers will take place from 25/8 to 6/9. The 32 national teams are divided into eight groups. Teams will compete in a one-round robin format, with the eight group winners and the seven best second-place teams advancing to the finals, joining host China. The finals are scheduled for 3/2027.

Teams finishing last in their respective qualifying groups will move into the Development phase for the subsequent tournament. This year's Development phase comprises 12 teams, split into three groups: I, J, and K. These teams will play a one-round robin, with the two top teams from each group earning promotion to the next qualifying round.

Hieu Luong