U23 Vietnam replaces Iran in tournament featuring Thailand and China

The U23 Vietnam team will replace U23 Iran in the CFA Team China U23 Quadrangular Tournament in Xi'an (China) from March 25th to 31st.

According to information from the Chinese Football Association (CFA), the U23 Iran team will withdraw from the tournament due to objective reasons. The CFA decided to invite the U23 Vietnam team to replace Iran and participate in the event.

The Chinese Football Association (CFA) has announced an adjustment to the participant list for the CFA Team China International Youth Tournament Xi'an 2026, taking place from March 25th to 31st, 2026, in Xi'an.

Currently, the U23 Iran team has withdrawn from the tournament due to objective reasons. The organizers subsequently decided to invite U23 Vietnam as a replacement, bringing the total number of participating teams to four: U23 China, U23 Thailand, U23 Vietnam, and U23 North Korea.

The tournament is classified as a Tier 2 International Competition, forming part of the international match schedule for youth national teams ahead of key objectives in 2026.

According to the match schedule released by the CFA, matches will be held on March 25th, 28th, and 31st. U23 Vietnam will kick off the tournament with a match against U23 North Korea at 15:00 on March 25th.

In the second match on March 28th, the team and coaching staff will face U23 Thailand at 15:00. U23 Vietnam's final match will be against the host, U23 China, at 19:35 on March 31st.

Participation in the Xi'an tournament is seen as a crucial opportunity for U23 Vietnam to gain international experience, test personnel, and refine their playing style in preparation for major upcoming tasks.

Last year, the U23 Vietnam team participated in two friendly tournaments in China: the CFA Team China U23 in March and the Panda Cup in November.

However, in preparation for the Asian Games 20 taking place in Nagoya, Aichi (Japan) this coming September, the Vietnam Football Federation is likely to send the U23 Vietnam team, primarily composed of U21 players, to this tournament for valuable experience.

SCHEDULE FOR U23 VIETNAM