Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam have been drawn into a challenging group at the ASEAN U17 Boys' Championship 2026, according to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF).
The draw, announced on March 6, places Vietnam in Group A alongside Indonesia, Malaysia and Timor-Leste.
With the presence of traditional rivals Indonesia and Malaysia, Group A is expected to be highly competitive and unpredictable. Indonesia will enjoy a home advantage as the hosts, while Malaysia are also considered direct rivals for a place in the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, Group B features Thailand, Laos, Myanmar and the Philippines. Group C includes Australia, Cambodia, Singapore and Brunei.
The teams will compete in a single round-robin format within their groups to determine the standings.
Only the three group winners and the best second-placed team will advance to the semi-finals, meaning that every match will play a decisive role in the race for a place in the knockout stage.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from April 11 to 23 in Indonesia. Matches will be hosted at Gelora Joko Samudro Stadium in Gresik and Gelora Delta Stadium in Sidoarjo.
Beyond being a major regional competition, the championship is also considered an important stepping stone for the teams preparing for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026, scheduled for May in Saudi Arabia.
The event will offer the participating teams an opportunity to refine their squads, test tactical setups and accumulate valuable international experience for young players ahead of the continental tournament.
To prepare for both the ASEAN U17 Boys’ Championship 2026 and the AFC U17 Asian Cup finals, Vietnam’s U17s are expected to regroup for training in early April./.
