Updated schedule and final channels for the 2026 U-17 World Cup: Vietnam U-17 match will be played around midnight.
Making their debut at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, the Vietnam U-17 national team will face a challenging competition in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand, and Mali. Led by coach Cristiano Roland, the young Vietnamese players will need to showcase their skills and seize opportunities to make a lasting impression.
The 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup will be held in Qatar from November 19 to December 13 and will feature 48 teams. The teams are divided into 12 groups of four teams each. After the group stage, the top 24 teams (first and second place) and the eight best third-place finishers will advance to the round of 32. Therefore, in addition to competing for the top two spots, the Vietnamese U-17 national team can still aim to qualify by finishing third.
A plus for local viewers is that all three Vietnam U17 national team matches will take place at relatively convenient times: 8:00 PM on November 20, 10:30 PM on November 23, and 8:00 PM on November 26. The matches will be broadcast in Vietnam on TV360, FPT Play, and MyTV.
Matchday 1 (November 20): The first test against Belgium Under 17s.
The Vietnam U17 national team will begin their World Cup campaign with a match against Belgium U17 at 8:00 PM on November 20. Their first opponent will be a tough one: Belgium U17 recently finished second at the 2026 European U17 Championship (June) and can count on a generation of players who have grown up in a highly qualified footballing environment.
Tìm hiểu lịch sử
The Belgian U17 national team boasts a versatile playing style, based not only on physical superiority but also on the ability to coordinate and organize attacks effectively. Belgian players often move the ball quickly, control the game proactively, and press immediately to regain possession when the opponent steals it. In addition to their teamwork, the European national team also boasts individual players with good technique and agility in controlling the ball in tight spaces. Among these, midfielder Xander Dierckx stands out, capable of making the difference in midfield.
For the Vietnam U17 national team, their opening match will be an opportunity to test their ability to handle pressure against a top-class opponent. Coach Cristiano Roland's team will need to avoid letting the Belgium U17s dominate the game, while maintaining communication between the lines. Short passes, off-the-ball movements, and exploiting space behind the opposing defense could help the Vietnam U17s create scoring opportunities.
Pre-tournament preparations have shown positive signs for the Vietnam U17 national team. In a friendly match played in the United Arab Emirates on November 9, the team defeated Fiji U17 2-0 thanks to goals from Le Sy Bach and Tran Manh Quan. This result has boosted the players' confidence ahead of the much more challenging match in Qatar.
On the same day, the Mali U17 national team will face the New Zealand U17 national team at 8:30 PM. Mali's U17 national team is widely considered among the best thanks to its outstanding international successes, including second place at the 2015 World Cup and third place at the 2023 World Cup. The result of this match will provide Vietnam's U17 national team with further insight into the relative strength of their group opponents.
Matchday 2 (November 23): New Zealand gives Vietnam U17s the opportunity to score points.
On November 23 at 10:30 PM, the Vietnam U17 national team will face the New Zealand U17 national team. While the first match was a test against a top-tier European team, the second could be decisive in reaching the points target set by coach Roland.
The New Zealand Under-17 national team boasts a strong track record in the global youth scene , with six of the 21 players having already competed at the 2025 Under-17 World Cup. Additionally, 17 members of the squad were part of the team that won the 2025 Oceania Under-16 Championship. This talent pool provides the Oceania team with a strong foundation of teamwork and competitive experience.
The New Zealand U17 national team plays a style of football that emphasizes strength and speed. They also apply pressure through aerial duels and crosses into the box from the flanks. Therefore, the Vietnamese U17 defense will need to pay particular attention to positioning, coverage, and control of key areas within the penalty area.
If Vietnam U17s earn points against New Zealand, their position in Group G will improve significantly. However, the team will still have to carefully plan for their final match against Mali U17s.
In the other match, Mali's U17 national team will face Belgium at 10:30 PM. Experts believe this match could have a direct impact on the final group standings.
Matchday 3 (November 26): The Vietnamese Under-17 national team faces Mali and aims to qualify for the next round.
The Vietnam U17 national team's final group stage match will be played at 8:00 PM on November 26 against Mali U17. This team boasts an impressive track record in international youth tournaments and is often considered one of the strongest representatives of African football.
Mali's U17 national team has won the African U17 Championship twice, finished second at the 2015 U17 World Cup, and third in 2023. The country's youth teams often boast players with speed, strength, and good tackling skills. Abdoulaye Samake, Amadou Doumbia, and Salia Diarra are among the players mentioned ahead of the tournament.
For the Vietnam U17 national team, their approach to the final match will largely depend on the results of the previous two rounds. If they still have a chance of competing for a spot in the top group or third place, coach Cristiano Roland's team will have to make the most of every opportunity to mount attacks and create surprises.
In the other match, New Zealand Under-17s will face Belgium Under-17s at 8pm on November 26. These two matches, which will be played concurrently, will conclude Group G and determine which teams will qualify for the round of 32.