Vietnam U20 lose 1-3 to Iran: First-half goal evaporates as 2027 AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifying ends in three straight defeats

Vietnam U20 ended their 2027 AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifying campaign with a 1-3 defeat to Iran at Viet Tri Stadium. They finished with three consecutive losses, missed the final tournament, and dropped into the Development Phase for the 2029 qualifiers. Head coach Yutaka Ikeuchi said the team played well in the first half and scored, but could not control the match after the break. The squad was not at full strength because experienced players were kept by their parent clubs in the domestic professional league. Most available players were younger than the maximum age allowed by the AFC, limiting their exposure to strong opponents. The next chance for Vietnamese youth teams to compete in the AFC U20 pathway will be the 2031 qualifiers.