The U23 Asia Cup 2026 finals commence just over two weeks after Vietnam secured a gold medal at the SEA Games in Thailand. Under coach Kim Sang-sik, Vietnam has won all 11 U23-level official matches. Before the SEA Games, he and his players also qualified for the U23 Asia Cup and claimed the 2025 U23 Southeast Asian Championship title.

Over the past year, the team members have spent extensive time together, including three friendly tournaments in Trung Quoc, two training camps in Qatar, and three official competitions. This period has significantly strengthened their organization, fitness, skills, and confidence.

U23 Vietnam players during a training session at King Abdullah Sports City on 5/1. *Photo: Ted Tran*

The team's biggest challenge currently is its personnel. Goalkeeper Nguyen Tan and center-back Dang Tuan Phong sustained injuries and were replaced by Pham Dinh Hai and Le Van Ha. Forward Bui Vi Hao also missed out due to a recurring ankle injury, which opened an opportunity for younger player Nguyen Le Phat. Additionally, key player Nguyen Thanh Nhan did not recover in time for the opening match.

Coach Kim stated that Vietnam is rated as the weakest team in Group A, behind Kyrgyzstan, Jordan, and hosts Arab Saudi. However, this does not hinder their ambition to reach the quarterfinals. Historically, Vietnam is undefeated in their opening matches of the last three U23 Asia Cups, drawing 0-0 with UAE (2020), 2-2 with Thailand (2022), and winning 3-1 against Kuwait (2024). Vietnam has also advanced past the group stage in three of the last four tournaments.

Meanwhile, Jordan has not secured a win in their last four matches at the finals. Two years ago, they drew one, lost two, and exited early in the group stage. Nevertheless, Vietnam previously lost 1-3 to Jordan in the 2016 group stage and drew 0-0 in 2020. Jordan's football has progressed significantly over the past three years, making them a formidable opponent.

Jordan has achieved remarkable progress, reaching the 2023 Asian Cup final, qualifying for the 2026 World Cup finals for the first time, and making it to the FIFA Arab Cup final. In contrast, Vietnam exited early in the 2023 Asian Cup group stage and failed to reach the third round of 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Coach Omar Najhi described this as a "positive era" for Jordanian football, particularly in terms of morale. Several Jordanian players competing in the U23 Asia Cup have already gained experience with the national team, including defender Ali Hajabi (born in 2004) and forward Odeh Al Fakhoury (2005). However, Coach Omar Najhi expressed regret over the absence of three important players: forward Ibrahim Sabra, who plays for Goztepe in the Turkish national league; Ali Azaizeh (Kazma, Kuwait); and midfielder Mohannad Abu Taha (Al Quwa Al Jawiya, Iraq). Their clubs did not release them for the tournament as it falls outside FIFA international match days.

By Quang Dung - Vy Anh