Vietnam U20 finalizes 23-man squad for 2027 Asian U20 qualifiers

On August 31, 2026, head coach Yutaka Ikeuchi officially announced the 23-man squad of Vietnam U20 for the 2027 Asian U20 qualifiers. The announcement came on the same day the team began their Group C campaign against North Korea at Viet Tri Stadium, Phu Tho province. The squad has attracted great attention thanks to the presence of two players considered "reinforcements": midfielder Nguyen Le Phat and defender Dinh Quang Kiet. Both bring experience from the senior national team level and are expected to help Vietnam U20 stay composed in big matches. Nguyen Le Phat, only 19, has already had a remarkable development path. He was called up to the national team and was a member of the U23 side that won the bronze medal at the 2026 Asian U23 Championship. With his ability to control the tempo and read the game well, Le Phat is seen as the midfield conductor. His presence gives the young team more calmness under pressure. Meanwhile, Dinh Quang Kiet is a reliable anchor in defence. He won the ASEAN Cup with the national team. International experience helps him read situations quickly and organize the backline well. With a composed centre-back like Quang Kiet, Vietnam U20 can feel more secure in aerial duels and set-piece situations. Besides those two, captain Nguyen Quoc Khanh remains the spiritual leader of the team. He and other key players form a solid framework for the starting line-up. Having 23 players with positional diversity shows the coaching staff has planned for a dense schedule of three matches in seven days. Before the tournament, Vietnam U20 played six friendly matches during a training camp in Japan. This was an opportunity for Japanese coach Yutaka Ikeuchi to test different tactical options. Announcing the squad on the day of the opening match shows both confidence and a desire to keep team plans secret from opponents. In Group C, Vietnam U20 will face Iran, North Korea and Palestine. Iran possess good physicality and technique, while North Korea are an intriguing unknown due to their rare appearances in regional competitions. Palestine are considered weaker, but at youth level, any team can spring a surprise. Home advantage at Viet Tri is an important pillar for local fans, but it also brings considerable pressure. The high expectations from media and fans can be a double-edged sword. Words like "huge reinforcements" aimed at Nguyen Le Phat and Dinh Quang Kiet create attention, but also place heavy responsibility on their shoulders. For young players, mentality can decide success or failure. The opening match against North Korea will reveal a lot. A positive result will boost confidence for upcoming games. On the other hand, a slip could make things harder even though chances remain. Careful preparation and team spirit are the keys to overcoming the challenge. For Vietnamese youth football, this tournament also carries strategic meaning. The success of Nguyen Le Phat – from U20 to U23 and then the national team – is proof of the right direction in youth development. A spot at the Asian U20 finals would open opportunities for this entire generation. The 2027 Asian U20 qualifiers in Group C will take place from August 31 to September 6, 2026. All matches will be held at Viet Tri Stadium, allowing home fans to accompany the team. Supporters are waiting for a performance worthy of the trust placed in the young generation.