Vietnam U17 football team secures historic World Cup berth

For the first time in its history, Vietnam's under‑17 national football team qualified for the FIFA U17 World Cup, earning a spot at the tournament in Qatar in November. The achievement follows the team's victory in the 2024 ASEAN Cup, highlighting a rapid rise in Vietnamese youth football.

Analysts note that the squad reflects a new generation of players – often described as Gen Z – who have benefited from more systematic training, early international exposure, and data‑driven preparation. This modern approach is seen as narrowing the gap between Vietnam and traditional football powers on the world stage.