Thai newspaper acknowledges the championship potential of the 'War Elephant' depends on the rematch between Vietnam U23 and China U23

According to analysis by Thairath, Vietnam U23 has lost its chance to win the CFA Team China 2026 tournament, while Thailand U23 has the possibility of claiming the title.

According to Thairath, Vietnam U23 lost its chance to win the CFA Team China 2026 tournament after its 0-1 defeat to Thailand U23 on March 28.

Based on the current standings, Thailand U23 leads with 4 points (goal difference +1), followed by China U23 and North Korea U23 both with 2 points (China U23 ranks higher due to scoring more goals). Vietnam U23 is at the bottom with 1 point (goal difference -1).

Thairath stated that under this scenario, the Vietnam U23 team is definitely out of the championship race. Even if they win against China U23 in the final match, Vietnam U23 can only reach a maximum of 4 points but would still rank behind Thailand U23 due to their 0-1 loss in the direct encounter.

Furthermore, regardless of the outcome between Thailand U23 and North Korea U23, at least one team will achieve a higher point total than Vietnam U23, meaning Vietnam U23 is officially eliminated from the championship race.

Thairath believes that in the final round, Thailand U23 will compete for the championship with China and North Korea U23. They will claim the title if they defeat North Korea U23, or still win if they draw with North Korea U23 and China U23 does not defeat Vietnam U23. The reason is that China U23 still has a chance to win.

Therefore, Vietnam U23 holding back or defeating China U23 would benefit Thailand U23. However, the team from the Land of Golden Temples cannot lose to North Korea U23 in the final match. A defeat would mean Thailand U23 loses its top spot in the tournament standings as well as the championship.