Acting head coach Đinh Hồng Vinh affirmed that the Vietnam U23 team at the CFA Team China – Xi'an 2026 International Football Tournament is not pursuing short-term achievements but is targeting the improvement of their gameplay, strengthening team unity, and establishing groundwork for the long-term strategies of Vietnamese football.
At the pre-tournament press conference held this afternoon on March 24, Coach Đinh Hồng Vinh, representing the Vietnam Football Federation, expressed gratitude to the Chinese Football Association and the local organizers for providing excellent conditions for the Vietnam U23 team throughout this period, including accommodations, rest facilities, training ground infrastructure, and meticulous tournament arrangements.
Regarding the significance of the tournament, Coach Đinh Hồng Vinh emphasized that this is a crucial opportunity for the Vietnam U23 team to gain exposure and accumulate experience by facing high-quality opponents in the region.
"This tournament serves as an important test, allowing the team to learn and gather experience by competing against strong teams such as China U23, North Korea U23, and Thailand U23," Coach Đinh Hồng Vinh stressed.

Coach Đinh Hồng Vinh (right) at the pre-tournament press conference. Photo: Thai FA
Responding to media from host country China about the Vietnam U23 squad, Acting head coach Đinh Hồng Vinh explained that the team combines players with international match experience and promising young talents. This includes individuals who have competed in the AFC U23 Championship, such as Văn Bình, Công Phương, Văn Thuận..., alongside a newly rejuvenated group aged around 21.
Regarding professional objectives, Coach Đinh Hồng Vinh shared that the coaching staff does not prioritize results but concentrates on perfecting the playing style and building a succession squad.
"Our main goal in this tournament is to enhance technical and tactical aspects, and to create synergy between the existing and new players. Through this, we will gradually develop the squad for the next generation of U23 players, aiming for upcoming tournaments and building a team for the future."
According to the match schedule, the Vietnam U23 team will begin their campaign at the CFA Team China – Xi'an International Football Tournament against North Korea U23 at 14:00 (Vietnam time) on March 25.
Currently, the Vietnam U23 team has settled into their accommodation in Xi'an and conducted their first training session to adapt to the weather conditions and pitch. This morning, the entire team visited the Xi'an International Football Center Stadium – the venue for the tournament's matches – helping the players prepare mentally and get a feel for the competition environment.
It is noted that the weather in Xi'an is currently quite cold, with an average temperature around 12°C. However, the training and match pitch conditions are assessed as very good, meeting the professional requirements of the participating teams.