Vietnam U19 team sharpens finishing skills for 2026 Southeast Asian Championship

The Vietnam U19 national football team is intensifying its training in Medan, Indonesia, as it gears up for the 2026 Southeast Asian U19 Championship. Head coach Yutaka Ikeuchi led the team through its second training session, focusing on tactical coordination between lines and enhancing the players' finishing abilities.

The training session was kept to a concise 60 minutes with reduced physical intensity to ensure the players reach their peak performance for the upcoming tournament. Vietnam is set to play its opening match against Timor-Leste on June 1, aiming to secure a decisive victory and gain an advantage in the group standings.

After arriving in Medan two days prior, the Vietnamese squad has adapted well to the local weather, field conditions, and playing environment. The team's high morale and commitment during training are creating a favorable atmosphere for the coaching staff to finalize their strategies and player selections for the debut match.

Coach Ikeuchi is expected to finalize the squad list, reducing it from 25 to 23 players, following a technical meeting on May 31. The Southeast Asian U19 Championship will run from June 1 to June 14 in Indonesia, with Vietnam drawn in Group A alongside hosts Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and Myanmar. This tournament is a crucial stepping stone for Vietnam's U19 team as they prepare for the U20 Asian Cup qualifiers. Additionally, the team has participated in an integrity and child protection program mandated for all participating teams, aimed at raising awareness about anti-corruption measures in football and safeguarding young players.