The U23 Vietnam team closed the memorable 2026 AFC U23 Championship season with a bronze medal.
In the group stage, U23 Vietnam won all 3 matches against Jordan (2-0), Kyrgyzstan (2-1) and Saudi Arabia (1-0), winning all 9 points and being one of the two teams to reach the maximum points before entering the knockout round.
In the quarterfinals, U23 Vietnam excellently defeated U23 UAE with a score of 3-2. In the semi-finals, Dinh Bac and his teammates left many regrets when losing 0-3 to U23 China.
Although unable to compete for the championship, U23 Vietnam still made a mark before leaving the tournament. In the third-place match, coach Kim Sang-sik's team played resiliently and bravely, overcoming U23 Korea after a penalty shootout to win a bronze medal.
Also at this year's tournament, U23 Vietnam achieved many impressive milestones, winning 5/6 matches; for the first time winning all 3 group stage matches and winning the top spot in Group A.
In which, with 4 goals, Dinh Bac surpassed many strong opponents to win the title of "Top Scorer" of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship. Notably, many individuals of U23 Vietnam won the title of "Player of the Match" such as Nguyen Hieu Minh; Nguyen Thai Son; Nguyen Dinh Bac (2 matches); Cao Van Binh.
