Vietnam U23 at 2026 Asian Games: Beyond the Quarterfinals, a Test for the Future
**Core answer**: U23 Việt Nam đặt mục tiêu tứ kết Asiad 2026, dựa vào lực lượng giàu kinh nghiệm từ V-League và thành tích HCĐ U23 châu Á. **Key facts**: - 16/23 cầu thủ từng hội quân tháng 7. - Bảng đấu gồm Uzbekistan, Kuwait, Philippines. - HLV Kim Sang Sik xem Asiad là bài sát hạch cho tương lai ĐTQG. **Source**: Phân tích từ bài viết gốc, không có nguồn độc lập công bố. **Related Q&A**: Q: U23 Việt Nam có thể vượt qua Uzbekistan? A: Cơ hội thấp nhưng có thể cạnh tranh nhì bảng. Q: Ai là cầu thủ đáng chú ý? A: Lý Đức, Quang Kiệt từng thi đấu V-League và giải trẻ.
When the VFF set the target of reaching the quarterfinals of the 2026 Asian Games, many thought it was a modest goal. But looking at the current squad of Vietnam U23, I believe this milestone is entirely within reach – and even more, the red-shirted team can aim for the semifinals or a medal, as their predecessors once did.
Squad context: 16/23 players joined the July camp
Out of 23 players, 16 were part of the July training camp. That time together has created a certain stability, from tactical execution to understanding between positions. The seven new faces compared to the last camp – Ly Duc, Quang Kiet, Pham Minh Phuc, Le Phat, Ngoc My – are not rookies either. Most of the 23 players have already played one or two seasons in V-League, along with experience at youth levels, most recently the U23 Asian Championship. Therefore, entering the Asian Games, the red-shirted team remains among the most experienced squads.
Group stage and chances
Being grouped with Uzbekistan, Kuwait, and the Philippines is certainly not easy. Uzbekistan is the most formidable opponent, with a strong youth football foundation. However, the chance to compete for the top two spots remains wide open. If they make good use of matches against Kuwait and the Philippines – two teams of less formidable quality – coach Dinh Hong Vinh's players can definitely secure a quarterfinal berth. Even more, with the generation that won a bronze medal at the U23 Asian Championship earlier this year, replicating the semifinal or medal achievement is feasible.
But the quarterfinal is not the final destination – the Asian Games is a test for the future
How far Vietnam U23 will go at the 2026 Asian Games will be answered by reality. But one thing is certain: the continent's largest sports event is being used by coach Kim Sang Sik as another test for the U23 squad that won bronze at the U23 Asian Championship earlier this year. That is also why the VFF and coach Kim changed the plan from an U21 squad to a near-strongest lineup, with significance beyond a single tournament.
Calculations for the future of the Vietnam national team
To be specific, coach Kim Sang Sik certainly has plans for the future of the Vietnam national team, after the 2027 Asian Cup. Naturally, the current U23 players are part of that plan. And to have a chance, the U23 players must put themselves in the Korean strategist's sight through their performances against quality opponents at this Asian Games.
Of course, the Asian Games is just one of many tests for the U23 players, alongside consistent performances in the V-League or the newly started First Division season. It can be seen that the Asian Games is not a ticket to immediately step up to the national team, but it is considered a key for the U23 players to prove their ability to coach Kim Sang Sik as well as club coaches. Only when they gradually secure starting spots in the V-League will the door to the national team open wider.
Contrarian view: Could performance pressure hinder development?
A question arises: Does setting a specific performance target (quarterfinals) inadvertently create pressure that makes players play safe, instead of showing personality and creativity? From my experience following youth tournaments, I've noticed many Vietnamese young talents are often 'distorted' by short-term goals. If coach Dinh Hong Vinh prioritizes results over playing style, players like Ly Duc or Quang Kiet might have their breakthrough potential limited. This is a balancing act that the VFF and coaching staff need to manage: achieving results while creating an environment for players to grow.
Takeaway: The Asian Games is a yardstick, but the V-League is the launchpad
Vietnam U23 has the ability to get out of the group stage and go deep. But the real value of this tournament lies in whether each player can secure a starting spot at their club. The Asian Games is just a highlight; their careers will be determined by weekly performances in the V-League. And that is the ultimate test that coach Kim Sang Sik is waiting for.