Vietnam U23 at the 2026 Asian Games: Quarterfinals are just the start, the future is the destination

The 2026 Asian Games are approaching, and for Vietnamese football, this is not just a simple continental sports event. The VFF has set a quarterfinal target for the U23 Vietnam team, a milestone that is entirely within reach given the current squad strength. But if we only look at the quarterfinals, we will miss the bigger picture: the 2026 Asian Games serve as an important examination for the generation that won the bronze medal at the U23 Asian Championship earlier this year, and an opportunity for them to impress head coach Kim Sang Sik of the national team. Among the 23 called-up players, 16 were part of the training camp in July. That time together has created a certain stability, from operational flow to understanding between positions. The other seven faces from the recent camp, such as Ly Duc, Quang Kiet, Pham Minh Phuc, Le Phat, and Ngoc My, are not new players either. They have all undergone training and competition at national youth levels, and some have even had several seasons in the V-League. This shows that coach Dinh Hong Vinh and the coaching staff have prepared thoroughly, avoiding major squad disruption. Most of the 23 players attending the Asian Games have already played one or two seasons in the V-League, alongside youth-level experience or most recently the U23 Asian Championship. Top-level competitive experience is a significant advantage when entering a continental arena like the Asian Games. Compared to many other teams in the region, U23 Vietnam boasts one of the most experienced squads, with players accustomed to pressure and high-intensity matches. That is the foundation for hoping for a good result. Vietnam's group includes Uzbekistan, Kuwait, and the Philippines. Uzbekistan is certainly the most formidable opponent, with a strong youth football foundation and regular participation in major tournaments. However, the other two teams, Kuwait and the Philippines, are within Vietnam's reach. If they make good use of the matches against Kuwait and the Philippines, coach Dinh Hong Vinh's students can secure a quarterfinal berth as group runners-up, or even group winners if they surprise Uzbekistan. The opportunity is wide open, but not easy. Focus and competitive spirit will be key. However, the quarterfinals are not the final destination. Where U23 Vietnam will go at the 2026 Asian Games remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: coach Kim Sang Sik is using this continental sports event as another test for the U23 players who won the bronze medal at the U23 Asian Championship earlier this year. The change of plan by the VFF and coach Kim, from sending an U21 team to almost the strongest squad, has meaning beyond a single tournament. It signals that the Korean strategist has plans for the future of Vietnam's national team after the 2027 Asian Cup. The current U23 players are part of that long-term plan. To have a chance, they must put themselves in the Korean coach's spotlight through performances against quality opponents at the Asian Games. The Asian Games are a stage to prove their mettle, maturity, and ability to meet high tactical demands. A successful tournament could open the door to the national team, where they will play alongside experienced seniors. Of course, the Asian Games are only one of many tests for U23 Vietnam. Alongside this, consistent performances in the V-League or the newly started First Division are also crucial. Stable form at club level remains the key factor for young players to harbor hopes of wearing the national team jersey. The Asian Games are just a stepping stone, an opportunity to impress coach Kim, but the road ahead is long. It can be seen that the Asian Games are not a direct ticket to the national team, but are considered a key for U23 Vietnam to prove their ability to coach Kim Sang Sik and club coaches. Only by gradually securing starting spots in the V-League will the door to the national team open wider. With what they have shown at the U23 Asian Championship, this generation can replicate the achievements of their predecessors – reaching the semifinals or even winning a medal. But first, let's start with the quarterfinals – and turn it into a stepping stone for further goals.