Alongside Vietnam, the other hosts include Bhutan, China, India, Jordan, Kyrgyz Republic, and Myanmar.

The qualifiers are scheduled to take place from November 22 to 30, 2025, with 38 national teams competing. These teams will be drawn into seven groups, three groups of six teams and four groups of five. The winners of each group will advance to the final tournament.

Vietnam's U17 team is placed in Pot 1 for the draw, alongside Australia, Yemen, Iran, Oman, Thailand, and China. The official draw is set to be held on August 7, 2025, at the AFC headquarters in Malaysia.

At the recent 2025 AFC U17 Asian Cup finals, Vietnam were drawn in Group B with Japan, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates. Despite facing formidable opponents, coach Nguyen Quoc Tuan’s side held their own, finishing the group stage unbeaten with three consecutive 1-1 draws. However, the team narrowly missed out on a place in the quarter-finals due to goal difference and overall points.

Nevertheless, Vietnam’s spirited performance, especially the impressive draw against reigning champions Japan, earned praise from football experts and fans alike, leaving a positive impression for the young squad moving forward.

U23 Vietnam target AFF Championship title to revive national football

VOV.VN - With the senior team under pressure after a shock loss to Malaysia, Vietnam’s U23 squad is carrying the hopes of national football, not just aiming for a title, but to help revive national football morale.