U23 Vietnam prepares for ASIAD 2026 amid coaching changes

The U23 Vietnam national football team is preparing for the ASIAD 2026 tournament with a new roster and coaching structure. Due to head coach Kim Sang-sik's commitment to the senior national team for the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, Đinh Hồng Vinh will serve as the acting head coach. Vinh, who has previously served as an assistant, is expected to maintain the tactical philosophy and discipline established by Kim.

In Group C, Vietnam faces significant competition from U23 Uzbekistan, who have bolstered their squad with European-based talent. Uzbekistan has called up 21-year-old midfielder Muhammadali Urinboev, who currently plays for the Belgian club Royal Antwerp. Urinboev, a former U20 Asian Championship top scorer, is expected to be a key player for the Central Asian side.

Vietnam's schedule in the group stage includes matches against Kuwait and the Philippines, concluding with a decisive encounter against Uzbekistan on September 22.