U17 Vietnam accelerates training before heading to Japan

U17 Vietnam has begun ramping up their training, working hard in chilly conditions before traveling to Japan.

Starting from October 5th, the U17 Vietnam team held their first training session at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center, officially kicking off preparations for the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers.

The U17 Vietnam squad continues to diligently refine their gameplay amid the cold Hanoi weather. This marks the acceleration phase under coach Cristiano Roland as they prepare for their training camp in Japan, aiming for the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Recently, striker Trần Mạnh Quân, top scorer of the 2025 National U17 Championship – Thái Sơn Nam Cup final round, was called up to join the U17 Vietnam squad currently training at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center, preparing for the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers.

This addition is essential for the U17 Vietnam team, especially as striker Nguyễn Lê Quang Khôi could not recover in time from a ligament injury and had to miss the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers.

According to the plan, U17 Vietnam will depart for a training camp in Japan on November 5th. During this period, the team is expected to play three friendly matches arranged by the Japan Football Association. On November 16th, coach Cristiano Roland and his players will return home to begin the final preparation stage before the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers.

In the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers, U17 Vietnam is placed in Group C alongside Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong (China), Macau (China), and the Northern Mariana Islands. Matches will take place from November 22 to 30, 2025, at two venues: the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center and the PVF Youth Football Training Center.

Being granted hosting rights by the AFC not only gives U17 Vietnam the home advantage in their quest to qualify for the final tournament but also motivates the team to pursue their dream of competing at the FIFA U17 World Cup 2026.