Vietnam U23 vs North Korea U23: An unpredictable outcome

(Football analysis) - Against an opponent with very little information like North Korea U23, Vietnam U23 is predicted to have a match that is anything but easy.

Vietnam U23 vs North Korea U23: What time is the match and where to watch live?

• Match time: 14:00 on March 25, 2026
• Match venue:Xi'an, China
• Competition: CFA Team China – Xi'an 2026
• Live broadcast channel: Updating...

Notable information before the Vietnam U23 vs North Korea U23 match:

Vietnam U23 will participate in the CFA Team China 2026 tournament with a squad mainly consisting of players born between 2005 and 2007. This is seen as a strategic move by the coaching staff, given that many previous key players are now over the U23 age limit or have been called up to the national team. Therefore, the tournament in Xi'an does not heavily prioritize results, but aims to build a foundation for the next generation.

Through this tournament, the Vietnam U23 team will have the opportunity to thoroughly review and evaluate its young talent. The coaching staff hopes to identify suitable candidates to supplement the squad for the ASIAD 2026 in September. This is a crucial phase in the team's transition process, requiring meticulous preparation both in terms of skills and competitive mentality.

In the list for this trip to China, interim head coach Dinh Hong Vinh retained only a few players who featured in the AFC U23 Championship, such as goalkeeper Pham Dinh Hai, Cao Van Binh, or midfielders Nguyen Cong Phuong and Le Van Thuan. The majority are new promising faces, alongside a few names with prior U23 experience like Le Nguyen Hoang, Thai Ba Dat, Nguyen Quang Vinh, and Le Dinh Long Vu.

In the opening match, Vietnam U23 will face North Korea U23 – an opponent considered very unpredictable. Historically, the two teams have met multiple times, and Vietnam U23 has often faced considerable difficulties, including a 1-2 defeat at the AFC U23 Championship 2020. Notably, North Korea U23 has been largely absent from the international stage for several years, limiting analysis. Therefore, coach Dinh Hong Vinh and his team are likely to focus on refining their playstyle and performing to their best in the debut match.

Expected lineup for Vietnam U23 vs North Korea U23

• Vietnam U23:Cao Van Binh, Le Nguyen Hoang, Dinh Quang Kiet, Tran Hai Anh, Nguyen Bao Long, Nguyen Canh Tai, Tran Thanh Trung, Nguyen Quang Vinh, Le Van Thuan, Nguyen Cong Phuong, Nguyen Dang Duong
• North Korea U23:Kang Ju Hyok, Jang Kuk Chol, Kang Kuk Chol, Kim Kuk Bol, Kim Kuk Jin, Kim Kyong Sok, Pom Hyok Kim, Kim Yu Song, Paek Chung Song, Ri Il Song, Ri Jo Guk

What did the Vietnam U23 coach say ahead of matches against China and Thailand?

Vietnam U23 intensifies training, ready to face North Korea