Viet Nam U17s qualify for World Cup for first time

The Viet Nam U17 national team made history by defeating the UAE U17 side 3-2 in their final Group C match at the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup finals in the early hours of May 14 (Viet Nam time), thereby securing a place in the quarter-finals and qualifying for the FIFA U17 World Cup for the first time.

Viet Nam U17 qualify for the FIFA U17 World Cup for the first time in history. (Photo: VFF)

Entering the match knowing that only a victory would keep qualification hopes in their own hands, Viet Nam U17 suffered an early setback after conceding just 17 seconds into the game. Following a swift attacking move, Sultan Nasir Al Mheiri produced a precise finish to give UAE U17 the lead.

Nevertheless, the players of coach Cristiano Roland remained composed and quickly regained control of the match. Viet Nam U17 continuously launched rapid attacks down both flanks, creating several dangerous opportunities in front of the opposition goal.

After sustained pressure, Viet Nam U17 eventually found an equaliser in the 41st minute. From a free-kick just outside the penalty area, Chu Ngoc Nguyen Luc produced a superb strike to level the score at 1-1 for the team in red.

The second half continued at an intense pace with both sides exchanging goals. In the 48th minute, Dai Nhan delivered a dangerous cross for Van Duong, who finished from close range to put Viet Nam U17 ahead 2-1.

However, UAE U17 responded swiftly. In the 57th minute, Adam Mahrous unleashed a powerful long-range effort from outside the box to restore parity at 2-2.

At a difficult moment in the match, Viet Nam U17 once again demonstrated resilience and determination. In the 71st minute, from a corner on the left wing, Manh Cuong rose highest to head home the decisive goal, making it 3-2 for Viet Nam U17.

During the remaining minutes, UAE U17 pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Viet Nam U17’s defence remained disciplined to preserve the victory.

With the 3-2 win, Viet Nam U17 officially progressed beyond the group stage of the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup finals and, for the first time in history, secured qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup.

Following their triumph at the ASEAN U17 Championship, coach Cristiano Roland and his players have continued to create memorable milestones for Vietnamese youth football, raising fresh hopes on the global stage.

NDO