Photo: Ted TranFollowing a 0–3 defeat to China in the semifinals of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup, U23 Vietnam returned to training on January 21, readying themselves for the third-place playoff against South Korea. Before the session began, head coach Kim Sang Sik gathered his players to offer words of encouragement. Coach Kim Sang Sik knows that reaching the semifinals alone is already a significant achievement. With standout performances from players like Dinh Bac and Van Khang, U23 Vietnam has proven its ability to compete at the continental level. The third-place playoff between U23 Vietnam and U23 South Korea will kick off at 10 PM on January 23.

Source: VietNamNet News January 23, 2026 01:08 UTC