Vietnam’s U23 footballers have kicked off their 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup journey with a statement victory, dispatching Jordan 2-0 in a high-stakes Group A clash at King Abdullah Sports City Hall in Saudi Arabia on January 6. With the pressure of regional expectations and the glare of continental competition, coach Kim Sang-sik’s side showed composure and tactical discipline, signaling their intent to make a deep run in this year’s tournament.
From the opening whistle, Vietnam looked anything but overawed by their West Asian opponents. Despite Jordan’s higher ranking and physical presence, Vietnam pressed assertively, keeping their defensive lines compact and their midfield bustling with energy. The early exchanges saw Vietnamese attackers testing Jordan’s goalkeeper Abdelrahman Suleiman with speculative efforts, setting the tone for a contest that would reward the bold.
The breakthrough arrived in the 15th minute, but not without a dose of drama. After a Vietnamese cross caused chaos in the Jordanian penalty area, the referee was summoned to the pitchside monitor. A VAR check confirmed that Jordan’s Mohammad Taha had handled the ball, gifting Vietnam a golden opportunity from the spot. Nguyen Dinh Bac stepped up with nerves of steel and calmly slotted home the tournament’s opening goal, sending Vietnamese fans into raptures and putting Jordan immediately on the back foot.
Jordan, stung by the early deficit, attempted to rally. They pushed numbers forward and sought to exploit their aerial advantage, but Vietnam’s backline, marshaled by centre-back Hieu Minh, stood firm. Time and again, Jordan’s direct attacks were thwarted by disciplined positioning and well-timed challenges. The Vietnamese defenders, particularly Hieu Minh, were relentless in the air and quick to clear their lines, neutralizing Jordan’s most potent weapons.
As halftime approached, Vietnam’s confidence only grew. In the 42nd minute, a moment of slick interplay saw Khuat Van Khang whip in a low cross from the right. The ball evaded the desperate lunge of Jordanian defenders and found Hieu Minh at the back post. With the composure of a seasoned striker, the centre-back guided the ball into the net, doubling Vietnam’s lead and sending their bench into wild celebrations. The first half ended with Vietnam firmly in control, their two-goal cushion a just reward for their enterprise and organization.
The second half brought a predictable surge from Jordan, who needed something special to claw their way back into the contest. But Vietnam’s tactical discipline never wavered. The midfield trio dropped deeper, closing off passing lanes and forcing Jordan into speculative long shots that rarely troubled goalkeeper Quan Van Chuan. As the clock ticked down, Vietnam’s defense absorbed wave after wave of pressure, showing the kind of maturity that has become their hallmark in recent years.
There was nearly a third goal for Vietnam in stoppage time when substitute Quoc Cuong unleashed a thunderous effort from distance. The ball crashed against the crossbar with the Jordanian keeper well beaten—a reminder that Vietnam’s counterattacking threat remained potent until the final whistle. Ultimately, the 2-0 scoreline held, securing all three points and a vital early advantage in Group A.
Coach Kim Sang-sik was quick to credit his players’ focus and discipline after the match. According to AFC reports, "The team showed great determination and followed the game plan perfectly. We knew Jordan would be a tough opponent, but our players stayed calm and executed well." The result also highlighted the depth and quality of Vietnam’s youth development, a theme that has become increasingly prominent in Southeast Asian football circles.
This victory comes at a time when Vietnam’s footballing progress is under the microscope, particularly in comparison to regional rivals Thailand. While Thailand’s U23 squad enters the tournament with a thinner roster—due to clubs retaining key players because the event does not fall on official FIFA dates—Vietnam boasts back-to-back quarterfinal appearances and a solid, well-drilled core. As noted in recent coverage, Thailand’s football association has even acknowledged that Vietnam is now the benchmark for youth development in the region, a remarkable shift in the balance of power.
The 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup itself is more than just a youth tournament; it’s a proving ground for Asia’s next generation and a battleground for regional bragging rights. Hosted across Saudi Arabia’s vibrant cities of Riyadh and Jeddah, the competition brings together 16 teams in four groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the quarterfinals. The stakes are high: not just for continental glory, but for the chance to showcase future stars who could soon light up senior national teams and professional leagues worldwide.
Vietnam finds itself in Group A alongside the hosts Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Kyrgyzstan. With their opening victory, they are well positioned for a push to the knockout rounds. Their next test comes against Kyrgyzstan U23 on January 9, a match that could all but seal their place in the quarterfinals if they maintain their current form. The final group game, set for January 12 against Saudi Arabia, promises to be a blockbuster, especially if both teams continue their winning starts.
Elsewhere in Group A, Saudi Arabia edged debutants Kyrgyz Republic 1-0 thanks to a dramatic late goal from Rakan Al Ghamdi. Despite dominating possession and playing with a man advantage after a Kyrgyz red card, the hosts were made to sweat until the 88th minute. The group is shaping up to be fiercely competitive, with every point crucial in the race for the quarterfinals.
The broader context of the tournament cannot be ignored. For Vietnam, success at the U23 level is not just about immediate results but about consolidating their reputation as a rising power in Asian football. With a robust youth structure and a generation of players unafraid of the continental stage, Vietnam’s ambitions are clear. For Jordan, the defeat is a setback, but with two group matches remaining, they will look to regroup and keep their quarterfinal hopes alive.
As the AFC U23 Asian Cup unfolds, all eyes will be on Vietnam to see if they can sustain their momentum and perhaps even surpass their recent quarterfinal achievements. The team’s blend of youthful exuberance, tactical discipline, and growing self-belief has already made a statement. Whether they can turn this promising start into a deep tournament run remains to be seen—but for now, Vietnamese fans have every reason to dream.
With the next chapter set for January 9 against Kyrgyzstan, anticipation is building. Vietnam’s U23s have thrown down the gauntlet in Group A, and their journey is only just beginning.
