VFF agrees to send the Vietnam U21 team to participate in ASIAD 2026.

The 11th Executive Committee meeting of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) under the 9th term has agreed to propose sending the Vietnam U21 team to ASIAD 2026.

VFF is sending the Vietnam U21 squad to ASIAD 2026 with a focus on the future.

The decision, made following the meeting this afternoon on December 25, reflects VFF’s long-term vision in youth football development strategy, targeting further goals such as SEA Games 34 in 2027 in Malaysia and even the 2028 Olympics.

In the context of ASIAD 2026 setting the age limit at U23 but allowing younger players, selecting the U21 team to participate is a deliberate strategy. Instead of concentrating resources on immediate success, VFF prioritizes creating a high-level competitive environment for the upcoming generation, enabling them to gain international experience at an early stage. ASIAD, with its packed schedule and strong opponents, is regarded as an ideal “laboratory” to evaluate and filter players for the next development cycle.