Indonesian media outlets have lauded Vietnam’s dominant run at the 2026 U23 Asian Cup, citing the team’s consistent youth success as an example for regional football development.
Vietnam players celebrate their winning goal against the UAE in the U23 Asian Cup quarterfinals on Jan. 16, 2026. Photo by Read/Duc Dong |
Vietnam made history as the first Southeast Asian team to win all their group stage matches, defeating tough opponents like Jordan, Kyrgyzstan and host nation Saudi Arabia. Their momentum continued in the quarterfinals with a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over the UAE, securing a spot in the semifinals for the first time since their historic 2018 campaign, where they finished runners-up after losing 2-1 to Uzbekistan in extra time under heavy blizzards.
The performance has drawn admiration and envy from the Indonesian press. Suara Merdeka recalled the 2024 U23 Asian Cup, when both countries performed well — Vietnam reached the quarterfinals and Indonesia in the semifinals. This year only Vietnam have maintained their form, while Indonesia failed to qualify for the tournament.
Compass urged other nations in the region to learn from this consistency, stating: “From the U23 Asian Cup qualifiers, the 2025 ASEAN U23 Championship, the 33rd SEA Games and now the 2026 U23 Asian Cup, Vietnamese youth football has continuously achieved success and titles. They deserve to be a model for youth football development in Southeast Asia.”
She was highlighted that Vietnam’s success is particularly noteworthy because it was achieved with homegrown talent rather than the mass naturalization strategies employed by rivals like Malaysia or Indonesia.
“This achievement confirms the progress of Vietnamese football on the continental stage, and they did it not through mass naturalization,” the outlet commented.
Vietnam will face either Uzbekistan or China in the semifinals, with their opponent to be determined in the match on Saturday.
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