AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 finally kicked off with Group A’s clashes as Vietnam edged Jordan, while host Saudi Arabia needed a late winner against debutants Kyrgyz Republic.
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AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 – Group A: Vietnam 2–0 Jordan
Vietnam made a strong start to their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ campaign with a controlled 2–0 win over Jordan on Tuesday, both goals coming in the first half.
Almost the same squad that won the 2025 SEA Games gold medal marched to Saudi Arabia with huge momentum, having edged regional titans U23 Thailand in the final.
Kim Sang-sik’s side capitalised on their set-piece strength, with Nguyen Dinh Bac converting a penalty after a VAR review before Nguyen Hieu Minh doubled the lead from a corner just before the break.
Jordan enjoyed spells of possession but struggled to break down Vietnam’s disciplined defence, with only a late free-kick off the crossbar threatening the scoreline.
Vietnam will face Kyrgyz Republic on Friday, while Jordan prepare for a crucial meeting with hosts Saudi Arabia.
Shocking reveal on Vietnam’s squad: ‘Oldest’ but smallest squad of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026
Vietnam U23 head into the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 finals with a rather unexpected statistic: they are the smallest team in the tournament in terms of physique, while being the ‘oldest’ side with an average age of 22.22.
According to data released by the organisers, Vietnam U23 rank bottom for average weight, at 69.87 kg per player, and are also among the shortest sides with an average height of 1.764 metres. Only Thailand sit slightly below them, while West Asian and Central Asian teams enjoy a clear physical advantage, with Iran standing out in particular.
That said, head coach Kim Sang-sik still has notable physical assets within his squad. Goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien stands at 1.91 metres, while several defenders and forwards measure over 1.80 metres. More importantly, Vietnam U23 boast one of the most experienced line-ups in the competition, with an average age of 22.22, the second-highest among the 16 participating teams.
Vietnam U23 Valued at More Than Double Thailand at the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026
According to Transfermarkt, Vietnam U23’s squad for the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 has a total market value of €3.48 million, more than double that of Thailand U23, who are valued at €1.45 million.
Vietnam U23’s three most valuable players are:
- Nguyen Dinh Bac
- Bui Vi Hao
- Khuat Van Khang
Each is valued at €300,000. Overall, Vietnam U23 are ranked 10th out of 16 teams, finishing above several notable sides including Thailand, Qatar, the UAE, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.
That said, Transfermarkt valuations should be viewed as a reference point rather than a definitive measure. Teams such as Japan feature several players who are competing at university level or serving as squad players at major clubs, meaning their market values may not fully reflect their true quality. While a higher squad valuation does not guarantee success, it does highlight that Vietnam U23 enter this tournament with a squad rated significantly stronger than Thailand’s.
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AFC U23 Asian 2026 results – Group A: Saudi Arabia 1-0 Kyrgyz Republic
Rakan Al Ghamdi struck late as Saudi Arabia began their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ campaign with a narrow 1–0 victory over debutants Kyrgyz Republic in Group A on Tuesday.
Reduced to 10 men in the 34th minute following Arsen Sharshenbekov’s dismissal after a VAR review, Kyrgyz Republic looked set to earn a point as goalkeeper Kurmanbek Nurlanbekov produced a series of outstanding saves, including a penalty stop from Musab Al Juwayr in the 74th minute.
Saudi Arabia dominated possession but struggled to break through until the 88th minute, when Al Ghamdi met Al Juwayr’s clever pass and fired past Nurlanbekov to secure all three points for the 2022 champions.
Next up for Group A’s fixtures
Saudi Arabia will face Jordan on Friday, while Kyrgyz Republic turn their focus to a crucial encounter against Vietnam.
