In the early morning of January 24, immediately after U23 Vietnam won a bronze medal at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh sent a congratulatory letter to the coaching staff and all players.
In the letter, the Prime Minister wrote: "On behalf of the Government and football fans nationwide, I respectfully congratulate the coaching staff and the entire U23 Vietnam men's football team for playing resiliently and bravely throughout the 2026 AFC U23 Championship, especially in the bronze medal match when there were only 10 players on the field and winning wonderfully, bringing excitement, joy and pride to the People, to the country, making practical contributions to celebrating the success of the 14th National Congress of the Party.
Once again, we witnessed a wonderful victory of Vietnam's will, belief and aspiration. The entire U23 Vietnam has shown itself as a team with a tight, disciplined, intelligent playing style and a resilient, courageous, and brave fighting spirit, all for the sacred colors of the Fatherland.
The Prime Minister acknowledged and highly appreciated the elaborate, scientific, and methodical preparation of the coaching staff, the close attention and direction of the Vietnam Football Federation, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and especially the spirit of solidarity, efforts and silent contributions of the players.
Inheriting and continuing the previous generations, following the success with the gold medal at SEA Games 33, the journey and achievements of Vietnamese football at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship have sent a strong message about the image of the young Vietnamese generation in the new era rich in aspiration, bravery, will, resilience, solidarity, and readiness to reach out to the "big sea".
On this occasion, the Prime Minister respectfully thanked fans across the country for always caring, following, accompanying, and enthusiastically cheering, adding faith, motivation and great spiritual strength to the Team, even in matches where the results were not as desired.
We believe that the coaching staff and the team will continue to maximize the spirit of the "Golden Star Warriors", overcome all difficulties and challenges, and continue to reap more successes in regional and international arenas, glorifying the country's football in the coming time.
Millions of hearts of Vietnamese fans will always look towards, always be by their side and always accompany the football teams in particular and sports in general," the Prime Minister expressed.
