Vietnam U23 Shock South Korea on Penalties to Claim Historic Asian Bronze
What unfolded in Jeddah was not just a football match, it was a statement of belief, resilience and nerve from Vietnam’s under-23 side on one of Asia’s biggest youth stages.
Vietnam U23 have defeated South Korea U23 on penalties to finish third at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship, ending a dramatic contest that tested both teams physically and mentally from the first whistle to the final kick.
After 120 minutes of intense football, the score stood at 2–2. South Korea, four-time champions at this level, pushed hard. Vietnam absorbed pressure, fought setbacks and refused to break. When the match finally went to penalties, Vietnam held their nerve and won the shootout 7–6, sealing a historic bronze medal.
The game itself had momentum swings that kept everyone guessing. Vietnam struck first through a sharp counter-attack, showing confidence against a traditionally dominant opponent. South Korea responded with pressure and possession, leveling the score and forcing Vietnam to defend deeper. Despite being reduced to ten men late in regulation time, Vietnam stayed organized and disciplined, even conceding a last-gasp equalizer that could have shattered their resolve.
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But instead of folding, they regrouped.
Extra time became a test of character. Vietnam, down a player, defended with composure and unity. Every clearance mattered. Every save mattered. South Korea threw numbers forward, yet Vietnam held firm, dragging the match to penalties where mental strength often outweighs reputation.
And that is where this match truly matters.
This result is not just about third place. It signals Vietnam’s growing maturity at the continental level. Standing toe-to-toe with one of Asia’s traditional powerhouses and coming out on top reinforces the progress of Vietnam’s youth system and sends a clear message that this team belongs among the elite.
For South Korea, the defeat will sting. They dominated stretches of the match but could not convert control into victory when it mattered most. For Vietnam, this bronze medal feels like gold, earned through sacrifice, discipline and belief.
In a tournament designed to shape the future of Asian football, Vietnam’s performance stands out as a moment of arrival, not just participation.
Stay with us as we continue to track the impact of this result on Asian football’s next generation and bring you the stories that shape the future of the game.
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