Vietnam face Saudi Arabia in decisive final group match at AFC U23 Asian Cup

Vietnam lead Group A with six points, while Jordan and Saudi Arabia are level on three points and Kyrgyzstan are bottom without any point.

Vietnam, however, are not yet assured of qualification, as a defeat by three goals or more combined with a Jordan victory in the group's other match would eliminate them.

Saudi Arabia also need a victory to advance, with the hosts at risk of exiting the tournament if they fail to collect three points.

The hosts enter the match with a home advantage and a strong recent head-to-head record at under-23 level, having beaten Vietnam 2-0 in 2022 and 3-1 in 2023.

However, they have struggled to convert chances in the current tournament, including a narrow win over Kyrgyzstan and defensive lapses against Jordan.

Vietnam, coached by Kim Sang Sik, have been praised by the Asian Football Confederation for their defensive solidity at the tournament, setting up a decisive contest that will determine the group's final standings.

The 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup, held in Saudi Arabia from January 6 to 24, features four groups of four teams, with the top two in each group advancing to the quarterfinals.