On the evening of January 20, the 2026 AFC U23 Championship semi-final match between U23 Vietnam and U23 China in Saudi Arabia is taking place, the central area of Ho Chi Minh City is bustling like never before.
According to Lao Dong's records at Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, crowds of fans flocked here to watch the match through large LED screens installed to serve fans.
Functional forces are also strengthened to ensure security and order, regulate traffic, and create a safe space for people to cheer for football.
When the referee blew the whistle to start the match, the atmosphere at Nguyen Hue pedestrian street immediately became tense. Thousands of eyes watched every ball of U23 Vietnam.
In the first minutes of the first half, the game took place in the excitement of the people. Every attack or shot made the crowd of fans below cheer and applaud.
Mr. Tran Dinh Phuc (resident of Binh Trung ward) excitedly shared that U23 Vietnam's participation in the semi-finals has shown the bravery and maturity of the young players, making fans more confident in a positive result against the opponent U23 China.
Today, U23 Vietnam reminds me of the Changzhou miracle 8 years ago and believes that coach Kim Sang-sik and his team can completely create the "2nd Changzhou match", bringing special emotions to fans across the country," Mr. Phuc said.
Ms. Le Minh Anh (resident of Xuan Hoa ward) expressed her belief in a victory for U23 Vietnam in this important match. According to her, the determined fighting spirit and stable form of the players are the basis for fans to place their expectations.
I personally especially expect striker Dinh Bac to shine, become the scorer for the home team, contribute to bringing victory to U23 Vietnam and delight fans watching the match at Nguyen Hue pedestrian street as well as across the country," Ms. Minh Anh shared.
According to fans, the confident fighting spirit, bravery and enthusiastic cheers from domestic fans are the motivation for U23 Vietnam to overcome U23 China, moving closer to the 2026 AFC U23 Championship final.
