Vietnam U23 at Asiad 2026: Quarterfinals Are Just the Starting Point of a Real Test

The first tactical training session of Vietnam U23 at the 2026 Asian Games took place under the harsh sun in South Korea. Coach Dinh Hong Vinh kept shouting instructions, demanding his players close the gaps between the lines. A failed transition led to a penalty run for the whole team. That moment showed: the Asiad is not just a tournament, but a coordinate of quick decisions each player must make. VFF set a quarterfinal target, and looking at the current squad, it's achievable. 16 out of 23 players had been called up in July last year. The seven newcomers like Ly Duc, Quang Kiet, Pham Minh Phuc, Le Phat, Ngoc My are not unfamiliar. Most have played one or two seasons in V-League, plus experience from the U23 Asian Championship earlier this year. Vietnam is in a group with Uzbekistan, Kuwait, and the Philippines. Uzbekistan is the toughest opponent, but wins against Kuwait and the Philippines can secure a quarterfinal spot. Coach Dinh Hồng Vinh's system relies on rapid transitions, with data showing high conversion rates after regaining possession in the defensive third. However, aerial defense remains a weakness, especially against Uzbekistan's set pieces. The Asiad is also a test for senior coach Kim Sang Sik, who sees this U23 generation as the future of Vietnam's national team after the 2027 Asian Cup. To earn a spot, players must perform not only in this tournament but also consistently in V-League. The quarterfinal is just the beginning; the real test is proving they belong at the highest level.