Vietnam in same group with Malaysia at U23 Asian Cup

Uzbekistan, runners up of the previous tournament, will be Vietnam's strongest opponents in Group D.

Both team also have history as they beat Vietnam 2-1 with a goal in the 120' minute in the final of the 2018 edition in China.

Nguyen Huu Nam (number 19) reacts after scoring in Vietnam's 2-2 draw with Singapore in the AFC U23 Asian Cup's qualifiers on Sept. 12, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Lam Thoa

Thailand, Vietnam's biggest rival in Southeast Asia, are in the tough Group C with Iraq, defending champions Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan.

Indonesia are in Group A with hosts Qatar, Australia and Jordan.

Group B gathers Asian giants China, Japan, South Korea and UAE.

The draw result for the AFC U23 Qatar 2024 group stage. Photo by AFC

The AFC U23 Asian Cup with 16 teams will take place from April 15 to May 3, 2024.

The top two teams from each group will enter the quarterfinals. The top three teams from the tournament will qualify for the Paris Olympics, while the fourth finisher will have to compete for the ticket by playing a play-off game with a team from the Confederation of African Football.