Unbeaten Vietnam Face Record-Breaking China in U23 Asian Cup Semi-Final Clash
JEDDAH, January 20, 2026 – A historic AFC U23 Asian Cup semi-final is set for Tuesday as the tournament’s most dominant side, Vietnam, prepares to face its most resilient, China. Both teams have carved unique paths to the final four, setting the stage for a compelling tactical battle at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium.
Contrasting Paths to the Semi-Finals
Vietnam, under South Korean coach Kim Sang-sik, have been the standout performers of the 2026 edition. They are the only team to have won all four of their matches, a feat matched only by Japan in the other semi-final. Their campaign began with a perfect Group A record: a 2-0 victory over Jordan, a hard-fought 2-1 win against Kyrgyzstan, and a landmark 1-0 triumph over hosts and 2022 champions Saudi Arabia. Their momentum continued into the quarter-finals, where they needed extra time to overcome the United Arab Emirates 3-2.
China, coached by Spaniard Antonio Puche, have written their own piece of history. This marks the first time the nation has advanced beyond the group stage of the U23 Asian Cup. Their journey has been built on an ironclad defence, having not conceded a single goal in over 390 minutes of play across regulation and extra time. After securing draws against Iraq and Thailand in the group stage, they produced a monumental upset in the quarter-finals, defeating tournament heavyweights Uzbekistan 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out after a 0-0 stalemate.
Key Facts & Team Profiles
| Vietnam U23 | China U23 |
|---|---|
| Coach: Kim Sang-sik | Coach: Antonio Puche |
| Tournament Form: WWWW (4 wins) | Tournament Form: DWDW (1 win, 2 draws) |
| Goals Scored/Conceded: 8 / 3 | Goals Scored/Conceded: 0 / 0 (in open play) |
| Key Attacker: Nguyễn Đình Bắc (3 goals) | Key Defender: Goalkeeper Hao Li (Penalty shoot-out hero vs Uzbekistan) |
| Historical Best: Runners-up (2018) | Historical Best: Semi-finals (2026 – current) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the Vietnam vs China U23 match?
The AFC U23 Asian Cup semi-final between Vietnam and China kicks off at 15:30 UTC (18:30 local time in Jeddah) on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Where can I watch the Vietnam U23 vs China U23 match?
Broadcast rights for the AFC U23 Asian Cup vary by region. In Canada, check sports networks like TSN or streaming services that hold Asian football rights. In Vietnam and China, the match will be broadcast on major national sports channels.
What is at stake in this semi-final?
The winner advances to the final of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup, where they will face either Japan or South Korea. Beyond the trophy, a place in the final offers significant prestige and development for the young players involved.
How have Vietnam and China performed in past U23 Asian Cups?
Vietnam has a stronger historical record, famously finishing as runners-up in 2018. China has traditionally struggled at this level, making their 2026 semi-final appearance a major breakthrough for their youth development programme.