The Vietnam U17 football team is making headlines as they prepare for the FIFA U17 World Cup 2026. The team will travel to Spain for a training camp, where they are scheduled to play friendly matches against U17 teams from Australia, Panama, and Morocco. This training camp is seen as a crucial step in their preparations for the World Cup, set to take place in Qatar.

According to ASEAN Football, the U17 Vietnam team will participate in an international tournament from September 21 to October 1, featuring strong opponents. This strategic choice of Spain as a training location underscores the team's desire for high-level preparation rather than just local training sessions.

During their stay in Spain, the team will train at the Complex Esportiu Futbol Salou, a sports center located in Tarragona, Catalonia. The matches against Australia on September 27, Panama on September 30, and Morocco on October 3 will serve as vital tests for the players. Notably, Vietnam previously faced Australia in the quarter-finals of the U17 Asian Championship 2026, where they lost 3-0. This upcoming match will provide an opportunity for the team to assess their progress since then.

The news of Vietnam's U17 team training in Europe has sparked a wave of positive reactions from fans across Southeast Asia. Many supporters believe that this initiative reflects Vietnam's serious investment in youth football. One fan commented, "Vietnam is taking youth football seriously. Bringing the U17 team to Spain to compete against strong opponents is an excellent preparation for the World Cup." Another supporter noted that the international competition is essential for young players to gauge their abilities against stronger teams.

Fans have expressed optimism that the U17 team will gain valuable experience from these matches, as Australia, Panama, and Morocco each have distinct playing styles. This exposure is expected to be far more beneficial than typical regional friendlies.

At the FIFA U17 World Cup 2026, Vietnam will compete in Group G alongside Belgium, Mali, and New Zealand. This marks Vietnam's inaugural appearance at the world's largest football event for the U17 category and the only representation from Southeast Asia. The matches in Spain will allow head coach Cristiano Roland to evaluate the team, refine strategies, and help the young players acclimate to the intensity of international competition.