Culture - Sports

Fans celebrate as Vietnam reach AFC U23 Asian Cup quarterfinals

With three consecutive victories and a maximum nine points against Jordan (2-0), Kyrgyzstan (2-1), and hosts Saudi Arabia (1-0), Vietnam defied expectations to finish first in what had been widely dubbed the tournament’s “group of death”.

Vietnam earn three consecutive victories and a maximum nine points at 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers. (Photo: AFC)
Vietnam earn three consecutive victories and a maximum nine points at 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers. (Photo: AFC)

Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamese football fans were left jubilant after the U23 team topped Group A with a perfect record to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup.

With three consecutive victories and a maximum nine points against Jordan (2-0), Kyrgyzstan (2-1), and hosts Saudi Arabia (1-0), Vietnam defied expectations to finish first in what had been widely dubbed the tournament’s “group of death”.

Entering the competition as the lowest-rated side in the group, the young Vietnamese players displayed remarkable resilience, composure, and fighting spirit, aided by a touch of luck, to overcome opponents superior in physique, fitness, and technical prowess.

In the decisive Group A match on the evening of January 12, Vietnam's U23 footballers delivered a convincing 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia. A solitary goal from Nguyen Dinh Bac in the 64th minute proved decisive, sealing the team’s best-ever group-stage performance in their seven appearances at the AFC U23 Asian Cup.

In the other Group A fixture played simultaneously, Jordan edged Kyrgyzstan 1-0 to finish second with six points.

As group winners, Vietnam will face the runners-up of Group B in the quarter-finals, with their opponent to be determined following the match between the UAE and Syria scheduled for 23:30 on January 13.

Sharing his joy after the victory, Do Trong Nghia, a fan from Hanoi, said the Vietnamese players showed confidence, composure, and technical quality throughout the match. He also praised goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien for an outstanding performance, making a series of crucial saves against the host side.

Earlier, Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) President Tran Quoc Tuan met and congratulated the team following their 2-1 win over Kyrgyzstan on January 9. He commended the squad’s fighting spirit and, on behalf of the VFF Standing Committee, awarded head coach Kim Sang Sik and his players a bonus of 600 million VND (22,800 USD).

After the opening 2-0 victory over Jordan, the VFF had also presented the team with a reward of 500 million VND./.

VNA
#2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup #quarter-finals #U23 team #football #Vietnam Football Federation
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

Screenshot photo of the article about the match between Vietnam's U23 and Kyrgyzstan's U23 at King Abdullah Sports City Hall on January 9 on Aki Press.

Kyrgyzstan media warn their team ahead of match against Vietnam U23

After opening their campaign with a 0–1 defeat to Saudi Arabia U23 — a match in which they were reduced to 10 men from the 34th minute following Arsen Sharshenbekov’s red card — Kyrgyzstan U23 head into the meeting with Vietnam under heavy pressure. Another defeat would likely see coach Edmar Lacerda’s side eliminated early from the tournament.

See more

VinFast expands presence in Southeast Asia

VinFast expands presence in Southeast Asia

Indonesia's PT Sembilan Benua Abadi is expected to purchase 10,000 VinFast EVs by the end of 2027, while PT. Satu Kosong Tujuh plans to acquire 10,000 units by the end of 2028. All vehicles will be deployed for commercial transportation services.

The Executive Committee of the Vietnam Ao Dai Heritage Club in Laos make debut. (Photo: VNA)

Ao dai helps promote Vietnamese culture in Laos

The club operates under the Vietnam Ao Dai Heritage Club of the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Conservation Support Fund, aiming to preserve and promote the values of the Vietnamese traditional dress among the Vietnamese community in Laos.

Head of the Party Central Commitee's Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation Trinh Van Quyet (first, right) presents A prize to the winning authors and groups of authors. (Photo: VNA)

More than 50 outstanding books honoured at 8th National Book Awards

Two A prizes, the highest distinction of the awards, were granted to Lich su Vietnam bang hinh (Vietnamese History in Pictures) by Dong A and multiple authors, jointly published by the Publishing House of Hanoi National University of Education and Dong A Culture Joint Stock Company.

An Ao dai collection of Lan Huong brand is introduced at the event (Photo: VNA)

Journey to bring Vietnam’s 'Ao dai' to global fashion stage

With support from the Embassy of Vietnam in the UK, Vietnamese associations across Europe, as well as business and artistic communities, the initiative seeks to establish the 'Ao dai' brand on the world fashion map. After London, the project is expected to travel to Paris and Milan, two of the world’s leading fashion capitals, to further showcase Vietnam’s cultural identity.

Tokyo Girls Collection will launch a fashion and music festival in Vietnam. (Photo: www.sggp.org.vn)

Tokyo Girls Collection Vietnam 2026 to debut in Ho Chi Minh City

The first day of TGC Vietnam will be open to the public free of charge and focus on fashion and lifestyle experiences. Activities will include Vietnam–Japan cultural exchanges, food and shopping spaces, Harajuku-inspired check-in areas, and runway shows featuring Japan’s distinctive fashion DNA.

An art performance at the event (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese culture promoted in France

It featured traditional melodies such as the ‘dan tinh’ (a kind of musical instrument) and 'then' singing of the Tay ethnic group, Quan ho (love duet) folk songs from Bac Ninh, as well as northern and southern Vietnamese folk music, 'cai luong' (reformed opera) excerpts and well-known songs celebrating the homeland, spring and love.

An exhibition of paintings and books titled “Vietnamese Soul on French Soil” opens on March 7 in Val-de-Marne, part of the Ile-de-France region. (Photo: VNA)

Exhibition of paintings and books celebrates Vietnamese spirit in France

More than an art exhibition, the event brought together Vietnamese intellectuals and artists living in France who, despite building successful careers abroad, have continued to maintain strong ties with the homeland. It also attracted French friends who have long-standing connections with Vietnam and hold deep affection for the country.

Ao dai (traditional long dress) and other traditional Vietnamese attire showcased at the Vietnam Festival 2026 in Osaka (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam Festival 2026 in Osaka spreads Vietnamese culture

Vietnam Festival 2026 in Japan is not only a cultural celebration rich in Vietnamese identity for the community in Japan, but also a vivid symbol of solidarity and close ties among overseas Vietnamese towards their homeland.

Chef Anna Le (in red dress) shares techniques and secrets for preparing Vietnamese vegetarian dishes using simple yet flavourful ingredients. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine promoted to diplomatic community in US

In Vietnam, vegetarian food is not merely a dietary choice but also a philosophy rooted in peace, compassion, and a deep respect for nature. It reflects the Vietnamese soul - gentle yet flavourful, simple yet sophisticated. Familiar ingredients such as lotus seeds, tofu, mushrooms and fresh herbs are transformed into light, nutritious dishes that embody the essence of Vietnamese gastronomy.

A performance of Vietnamese artists at the opening ceremony of the 11th Japan-Vietnam Festival (Photo: The organising board)

Vietnam–Japan festival strengthens people-to-people ties

After more than a decade of development, the Japan-Vietnam Festival in Ho Chi Minh City has become a significant international cultural exchange event and a vivid symbol of the strong and enduring friendship between the two nations.

Visitors admire a large driftwood sculpture measuring nearly 25 metres in length and weighing around 20 tonnes, regarded as one of the most intricate works of its kind in Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)

Driftwood “museum” in middle of Tien River

What were once tree trunks lying silently beneath the muddy waters have, through his hands, become singular sculptural works, forming an unusual visitor attraction amid the waterways of southern Vietnam.

Coaches and players of the national women's U20 team discus before their training. The team will compete in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 next month in Thailand. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam women chase U20 World Cup dream

The Vietnamese women squad will compete in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026, the crucial World Cup qualifying tournament, from April 1-18 in Thailand. Drawn in Group A, they will face stiff competition from China, Bangladesh and the host nation.