Hanoi (VNS/VNA) – Vietnam will face the strong Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in the first match of the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 qualification's Group C on August 31 evening.
Taking place for a 23rd time since being introduced in 1980, this iteration of the qualification pathway offers 15 berths at next year’s finals and sees the maiden implementation of a two-tiered format.
The Qualification Phase divides 31 teams across eight groups, with all group winners and the seven best second-placed teams advancing to join hosts China at the 43rd edition of the AFC U20 Asian Cup. Meanwhile, the six lowest-ranked fourth-placed teams are relegated to the Development Phase of the next Qualifiers.
Concurrently, the Development Phase features 11 teams that are split into three groups, with the first and second-placed teams of each group to be promoted to the Qualification Phase of the next Qualifiers.
Having missed out last year, Vietnam face with big trouble in their 21st qualifier at home – Viet Tri Stadium in Phuu Tho province.
In addition to three-time champions, the DPRK, the hosts will also play four-time winners Iran in the next match. The rest side, Palestine, are determined to make their finals debuts.
“First of all, I am happy when Vietnam will play on home turf this tournament. My team have received strong support from the Vietnam Football Federation and clubs to have best training conditions," said head coach Yutaka Ikeuchi.
"We have done our preparation and are ready to find a slot in the finals."
With many players in his squad are picked from the U19 squad who were just disqualified from the recent Southeast Asian U29 Football Championship, Ikeuchi said the defeat brought many lessons and experience for both coaches and players. They found their weaknesses and tried to fix them and hope to have better performance at the AFC event.
The Japanese coach appreciated the DPRK, saying that they were powerful team with iron mind and impressive physique.
His assistants met difficulty to collect the Korean information. Plans were built based on their limited data and coaches' experience.
“The DPRK are very strong opponent. They always display a physical style of play and strong spirit, so this certainly won’t be an easy match. We have prepared our utmost to face them,” he said./.
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.
