U17 Vietnam Prepares for the World Cup: 29 Players, Two Training Camps and a Tough Group

At the Vietnam Youth Football Training Centre, head coach Cristiano Roland watched his players closely. The morning session had no goals, but the pressing rhythm was repeated like a ritual. The atmosphere was relaxed, yet every player worked hard to impress the coaching staff. This is a team preparing for the 2026 FIFA U17 World Cup, not a team chasing friendly results. U17 Vietnam qualified through the AFC U17 Asian Cup in May. The coaching staff has kept the core from that tournament, including Van Duong, Chu Ngoc Nguyen Luc and goalkeeper Ly Xuan Hoa. A total of 29 players were called up, a number larger than the usual final roster of 20 to 23. This is a screening phase, not a settled tactical plan. The camp at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Centre will run until October, followed by a trip to West Asia and then Qatar. These two stages are not only about tactics. They help players adapt to climate, pitches, travel and the logistical pressure of an international tournament. Vietnam are in Group G with Mali, Belgium and New Zealand. Mali are a strong African youth football nation, while Belgium have a structured academy system. New Zealand are the most realistic target for points. Physicality remains a historic weakness for Vietnamese youth teams against African and European opponents, so structure, discipline and set-pieces will be crucial. The biggest risk is the gap between public expectation and actual readiness. Reaching the World Cup is a landmark, but the group is difficult. If the team is eliminated early, media narratives could turn quickly. There is also a risk of talent drain: strong performances at the World Cup could put Van Duong, Chu Ngoc Nguyen Luc and Ly Xuan Hoa on the radar of foreign academies. What matters now is not the final result but whether the team can show a clear identity. Fans should wait for the final squad cut, monitor friendly results in West Asia and Qatar, and judge the team from their first match against New Zealand. This tournament is a rare opportunity for a generation to learn the geometry of football at the highest level.