Vietnam to face China in AFC U23 Asian Cup semifinals

Apart from Vietnam and China, the two other teams advancing to the semifinals are Japan and South Korea.

Among them, Japan and South Korea are former champions of the tournament, with Japan lifting the trophy in 2016 and 2024, and South Korea claiming the title in 2020.

Vietnam have yet to be crowned champions but previously reached the final in 2018, a milestone achievement in the country’s football history.

In contrast to the other three teams, this marks the first time China’s U23 team have ever progressed to the semifinals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup.

In the semifinals, South Korea will face Japan at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, while the other tie will see Vietnam take on China at 10:30 pm on the same day.

The clash between South Korea and Japan is widely regarded as an ‘early final,’ given that both teams are considered leading contenders for the championship.

Based on their performances so far at the 2026 tournament, Japan appear to hold a slight edge in form.

However, South Korea’s pedigree and experience as one of Asia’s football powerhouses mean they will be anything but easy to overcome.

Meanwhile, the encounter between Vietnam and China promises to be equally compelling.

Both teams, particularly China, have been among the tournament’s biggest surprises after advancing deep into the competition.

Should Vietnam defeat China, they would recreate their remarkable run to the final at the 2018 AFC U23 Asian Cup in Changzhou, China.

Conversely, a victory for China over Vietnam would see the former make history with an unprecedented appearance in the final of an AFC U23 Asian Cup edition.