Vietnam sending U21 team to ASIAD: Not to be underestimated

Despite deploying a U21 lineup for ASIAD 2026, Vietnam remains capable of causing upsets due to a talented group that performed impressively at the 2026 U23 Asian Cup.

The decision to have Vietnam’s U21 team replace the U23 squad in the men's football event at ASIAD 2026 raised doubts for many. However, considering the quality of the current players, this is not necessarily a step backward in terms of skill. On the contrary, Vietnamese football has solid grounds to believe in their potential to surprise, even when facing opponents two years older.

The Vietnam Football Federation’s decision is a long-term strategic move aimed at the 2028 U23 Asian Championship finals and the goal of competing for a spot in the 2028 Olympics. Instead of focusing solely on immediate results, Vietnamese football chooses to build international experience for the next generation. This approach aligns with the sustainable development models of many Asian football nations.

More importantly, the current U21 squad is not lacking in quality. At the 2026 U23 Asian Championship, four players aged 19–21 stood out: goalkeeper Cao Văn Bình, midfielders Lê Văn Thuận and Nguyễn Công Phương, and forward Nguyễn Lê Phát. They not only featured in the lineup but also made a significant impact against physically stronger and more experienced opponents.

Additionally, goalkeeper Phạm Đình Hải along with other players like Đinh Quang Kiệt, Nguyễn Mạnh Hưng, Nguyễn Vadim, and Nguyễn Đăng Dương provide considerable depth to the team. These players share the common experience of competing in the highly competitive V-League. Their top-tier club experience helps them face continental challenges with confidence.

In fact, the Vietnam U23 team finished third at the 2026 U23 Asian Championship, confirming their leading position in Southeast Asia. Given that only two slots are available for the region at ASIAD, Vietnam’s qualification demonstrates a stable professional foundation and clear continuity across age groups.

Therefore, sending the U21 team to ASIAD 2026 is not merely an experiment. It is a bet on a promising generation that performed well at the U23 Asian Championship and is gaining more competitive experience. If they fully utilize their abilities, this squad can make a significant impact in Japan despite the age gap with many rivals.