Vietnam U15 team depart for FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival 2026
The Vietnam U15 team will depart for Azerbaijan tonight (21 October) to participate in the FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival 2026, scheduled to take place from 24 to 30 October. The international event provides a valuable opportunity for young players to gain experience, enhance their technical abilities and prepare for future development goals.
In preparation for the tournament, the Vietnam U15 team began training at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Centre on 22 September, with an initial squad of 34 players. Throughout the training period, the coaching staff gradually reviewed and assessed the squad, while adjusting training programmes to help the players adapt to the tournament’s specific format. Before departure, head coach Hoang Anh Tuan selected 14 players for the official squad in accordance with the tournament regulations.
Speaking about the preparations, head coach Hoang Anh Tuan said that the FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival 2026 would be played in an 8v8 format, with several rules differing from traditional 11-a-side football. The tournament also offers young players an opportunity to develop their game intelligence, creativity and ability to adapt to the evolving demands of modern football.
“Football requires technical ability, physical fitness and skill, but game intelligence is equally important. Players must be able to make their own decisions on the pitch and create tactical variations. We want to encourage them to be creative and make a difference. This is the foundation for their development, both now and in the future,” head coach Hoang Anh Tuan emphasised.
The FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival 2026 marks the inaugural edition of the tournament organised by FIFA, with the aim of identifying and developing young talent under the message “Give Every Talent a Chance”. The competition adopts a festival format, allowing teams to continue playing through multiple stages without early elimination, thereby giving players more opportunities to gain experience and interact with their international peers.
According to the draw, Vietnam U15 have been placed in Group R alongside Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Guyana, Iran and Mauritius. The tournament in Azerbaijan will provide an opportunity for Vietnam’s young players to test themselves in an international competitive environment, further develop their skills and resilience, and take the next steps in their footballing journey.
