Southeast Asian fans react after the draw results of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship

"Compared to Thailand, the Vietnam U23 team is in an easier group. However, everyone must make an effort to advance further," Liberty Speed, an Indonesian account, expressed on the Asean Football website after the group stage draw results of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship on October 2.

Phản ứng của CĐV Đông Nam Á sau kết quả bốc thăm giải U23 châu Á 2026 - 1 — U23 Vietnam is expected to repeat the miracle of reaching the final of the 2018 U23 Asian Cup (Photo: VFF).

According to the draw results, U23 Vietnam is in group A with the host team Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Kyrgyzstan. This is considered a difficult group for coach Kim Sang Sik's team.

Saudi Arabia U23 has never tasted defeat against Vietnam U23, winning 4 and drawing 1 in 5 matches. Most recently, the two teams met in the quarter-finals of the 2022 AFC U23 Championship. At that time, Vietnam U23, led by coach Gong Oh Kyun, lost 0-2 and had to stop.

Meanwhile, the two opponents Jordan and Kyrgyzstan are considered easier for U23 Vietnam, but the history of confrontation shows that the "Golden Dragons" have encountered many difficulties against these opponents.

Notably, the second representative from Southeast Asia to be present at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship, Thailand, is in a group considered to be difficult with the presence of Iraq, Australia and China in Group D. It is not surprising that Southeast Asian fans all believe that U23 Vietnam and Thailand need to make a lot of effort if they want to go deep in the tournament.

"I still hope that both U23 Vietnam and Thailand can pass the group stage and go deep in the tournament. Good luck to the teams representing Southeast Asia," said Abdullah Khalid Yahya from Indonesia.

"Don't forget that U23 Vietnam reached the final in 2018 and only lost to Uzbekistan. Wish both Vietnam and Thailand good luck," Prince Dela, a Philippines user, emphasized.

"I think the U23 teams of Lebanon, Kyrgyzstan, Syria and China will become the points warehouses for each group. U23 Vietnam and Thailand still have a chance if they have the best form," commented Jonet Reborn.

"In the final round, every group is tense. What's important is good preparation in terms of mentality, tactics and determination," Pongsak Piakaew from Thailand affirmed.

"I expect both U23 Vietnam and Thailand to go deep in the tournament. Believe in the players' strength and the coach's tactics," Dang Tam, an account from Vietnam, expressed his hope.

"Coming here, all are strong teams. The coach and the whole team must be confident, not allowing themselves to underestimate their opponents. Hopefully everyone is determined. Knowing yourself and your opponent will help you have a smoother path and go further," Bui Viet concluded.