Vietnam U23 team win the gold medal at the SEA Games 33.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has spoken highly of Vietnam U23 based on their qualifying performances and track record at the tournament. In its latest article, AFC placed Vietnam U23 among the teams that impressed most during the qualifiers.
Vietnam U23 were one of seven teams to record three wins from three matches in the qualifying round, alongside Jordan U23, Japan U23, Iran U23, Qatar U23, the Republic of Korea (RoK) U23 and Syria U23. Vietnam U23 secured qualification after victories over Bangladesh U23, Singapore U23 and Yemen U23.
Notably, Vietnam U23 were among the few teams to complete the qualifiers without conceding a goal, along with RoK U23 and Australia U23. AFC said this defensive record could pose a challenge for teams facing Vietnam U23 at the finals.
Across the six previous editions of the tournament, East Asian teams have claimed three titles, Japan in 2016 and 2024, and RoK in 2020. West Asian teams have lifted the trophy twice, with Iraq in 2013 and Saudi Arabia in 2022, while Central Asia has produced one champion, Uzbekistan, in 2018.
AFC noted that no team from South or Southeast Asia has won the tournament to date, adding that Vietnam U23, along with Thailand U23, are expected to aim for a breakthrough at the U23 Asian Cup 2026.
