Vietnam selected to host ASEAN U-23 Cup 2027
At the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Competitions Committee meeting held in Tokyo, Japan, on 23 October, Vietnam was awarded the hosting rights for the ASEAN U-23 Cup 2027. This marks the first time Vietnam will host the tournament, reflecting the AFF’s recognition of the Vietnam Football Federation’s (VFF) reputation, experience and organisational capacity in staging international football competitions.
26/10/2026 16:35:25
VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan and Southeast Asian football leaders congratulate Vietnam U23 on winning the MANDIRI CUP™ 2025. This marked Vietnam’s third consecutive title in the regional competition
On 23 October, the AFF Competitions Committee held its 16th meeting, chaired by VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan in his capacity as Chair of the AFF Competitions Committee. The meeting was attended by AFF President Khiev Sameth and other committee members.
The agenda focused on key issues related to tournament organisation, adjustments to the schedules of existing competitions, and plans and strategic directions for AFF tournaments in the coming years.
Notably, the meeting awarded Vietnam the hosting rights for the ASEAN U-23 Cup 2027. This will be the first time Vietnam has hosted the tournament since its inception under the AFF.
In recent years, Vietnam U23 have made a significant mark on the ASEAN U-23 Cup, winning three consecutive titles on foreign soil. This achievement reflects the growth, resilience and consistency of Vietnamese youth football, while providing a strong foundation for the team to pursue greater ambitions at continental level.
The AFF U23 Championship 2027 is scheduled to take place in July 2027, following the conclusion of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2028 Qualifiers in June 2027. Hosting the tournament will therefore bring tangible benefits to Vietnamese football, providing Vietnam U23 with further opportunities to compete internationally, assess the squad and improve their technical and tactical performance. It will also help the team prepare for future objectives, including upcoming continental competitions.
The AFF’s decision to award Vietnam the hosting rights reflects its recognition of the VFF’s efforts and experience in organising and managing international competitions and matches in recent years. It also demonstrates that Vietnam’s facilities for match play and tournament organisation are capable of meeting the general requirements of a regional competition. Hosting the tournament will provide another opportunity for the VFF to demonstrate its organisational capabilities and contribute to enhancing the quality of international football events held in Vietnam.
Furthermore, staging the tournament in Vietnam will provide U23 teams from across the region with favourable conditions to gain international experience and improve their competitive standards, contributing to the development of youth football in Southeast Asia.
