The qualifying round will take place from November 22 to 30, with the participation of 38 teams, divided into seven groups: three of six teams and four of five teams. The top team in each group will earn a spot in the final.

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Vietnam are against lower-ranked teams at Asian Cup 2026 qualification. (Photo: VFF)

Vietnam have been placed in Pot 1 for the qualifiers, alongside Australia, Yemen, Iran, Oman, Thailand, and China. The group-stage draw will be held on August 7 at the AFC headquarters in Malaysia.

At the recent AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2025 finals, Vietnam were drawn into Group B with Japan, Australia, and the UAE. Despite facing very strong opponents, the Vietnamese team showed resilience, remaining undefeated in all three group-stage matches with identical 1-1 draws. However, due to insufficient points and goal difference, coach Nguyen Quoc Tuan and his players missed out on a spot in the quarterfinals. Nonetheless, their performance, especially the impressive draw against defending champions Japan, left a strong and positive impression.

Source: VNA