Vietnam U23 at 2026 Asian Games: Quarterfinals Not the Final Destination

Vietnamese football is standing at an important milestone: the 2026 Asian Games. The VFF has set a quarterfinal target, and looking at the current squad, that goal is entirely achievable. But is the quarterfinal the limit? Or can Vietnam U23 think bigger – semifinals, even a medal? Looking at the 23-man squad, 16 players were part of the July training camp. This stability creates a solid foundation in tactical execution and mutual understanding. The seven new faces – Ly Duc, Quang Kiet, Pham Minh Phuc, Le Phat, Ngoc My – are no strangers to coach Dinh Hong Vinh's system. Most players have one or two seasons of V-League experience, plus youth-level exposure from the recent U23 Asian Championship. This puts Vietnam U23 among the most experienced teams at this Asiad. The group stage includes Uzbekistan, Kuwait, and the Philippines – no easy task. Uzbekistan is a formidable opponent, but the race for the top two spots remains open. If Vietnam capitalizes on matches against Kuwait and the Philippines, a quarterfinal berth is within reach. Even replicating the achievements of the senior generation – semifinals or a medal – is not out of the question. But Asiad 2026 is more than just a tournament. Head coach Kim Sang-sik views the Asiad as a key audition for the U23 generation that won bronze at the U23 Asian Championship earlier this year. The VFF's shift from a U21 squad to nearly the strongest possible lineup signals a vision beyond this tournament. The Korean tactician is planning for Vietnam's future after the 2027 Asian Cup, and this U23 group is central to that plan. To earn their chance, players must impress Kim through performances against quality opponents at the Asiad. However, the Asiad is just one of many assessments. Consistent performances in the V-League or First Division are the real key. The Asiad is not a direct ticket to the national team, but it is a door for U23 players to prove themselves to Kim and club coaches. Only by gradually securing starting spots in the V-League will the national team door open wider. So where will Vietnam U23 go? The quarterfinal is the minimum target, but if the team plays to its potential, a semifinal or medal is not far-fetched. More importantly, each player must treat the Asiad as a personal launchpad. Look at names like Ly Duc, Quang Kiet – are they ready? On the sidelines, does coach Dinh Hong Vinh have the tactics to neutralize Uzbekistan? The pragmatism of Kuwait and the physicality of the Philippines will be the first test. In modern football, crisis is an opportunity to purge old models. Asiad 2026 is that opportunity for Vietnam U23. The VFF and Kim Sang-sik have bet on this generation. Now it's time for them to answer on the pitch. As I once said: "On the transfer table, reputation is the easiest currency to launder." At the Asiad, reputation is earned through sweat and victory. Does Vietnam U23 dare to think big?