On May 26, VFF General Secretary Nguyen Van Phu, on behalf of VFF leaders, met with the Vietnam U19 team at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center to encourage the spirit of the whole team before the regional tournament.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Nguyen Van Phu acknowledged the efforts of the coaching staff and players in the recent training process, and emphasized the important role of the U19 generation in the strategy of developing Vietnamese youth football.
VFF General Secretary expressed his belief in the spirit of solidarity, determination as well as the thorough preparation of the whole team, towards the goal of winning positive results at the 2026 U19 Southeast Asian Championship, thereby creating momentum for the journey to conquer the 2027 AFC U20 Championship qualifiers.
VFF also expects U19 Vietnam to continue the success of youth teams at all levels such as U17, U23 and national teams in the past time, continuing to affirm Vietnamese football's position in the regional and continental arena.
Previously, the Vietnam U19 team just finished a training trip in Japan lasting from May 14 to 24. During this time, coach Yutaka Ikeuchi and his team played 4 friendly matches with opponents including U20 and U22 of Shizuoka Sangyo University, Tokai Gakuen University and team B of Shimizu S-Pulse club.
According to the assessment of the coaching staff, the matches are of important professional significance, helping the team review forces, improve playing style and improve adaptability to international competition intensity. Approaching teams with good physical foundation, speed and tactical organization also helps young players accumulate more experience before major tournaments.
At the meeting, head coach Yutaka Ikeuchi said that the whole team has made serious preparations both professionally and mentally for the upcoming tournament. The Japanese coach also highly appreciated the support of VFF, the national team department and the coordination from clubs in the process of concentrating forces.
However, the preparation process of U19 Vietnam also faced many difficulties when many quality players could not gather because they were playing for their managing clubs in the national professional league and the national second division. Some players born in 2008 also had to simultaneously ensure their cultural studies and prepare for the high school graduation exam.
According to the plan, in the afternoon of the same day, U19 Vietnam will have a final training session at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center before the coaching staff finalizes the list from 29 to 25 players. The whole team then moves to Ho Chi Minh City and departs for Indonesia on May 28.
The 2026 U19 Southeast Asian Championship takes place from June 1 to 14 in Indonesia. According to the draw results, U19 Vietnam is in Group A with host Indonesia, Timor Leste and Myanmar. This is considered an important warm-up step for coach Yutaka Ikeuchi and his team towards the 2027 AFC U20 Championship qualifiers.
