Cristiano Roland will continue as the head coach of Vietnam's U17 football team as they prepare for the U17 World Cup 2026. The announcement was made by Tran Anh Tu, Vice President of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), during a press briefing regarding the national teams' preparations for various international competitions, including ASIAD 2026.

Roland's appointment is seen as a strategic move, given his extensive experience working with the U17 players. He has developed a deep understanding of their skills and characteristics, which is crucial for maintaining a consistent coaching philosophy and style of play. This continuity is expected to benefit the team as they approach the World Cup.

The U17 team is set to regroup on September 20, where the coaching staff will begin assessing player fitness and refining their tactical framework ahead of the final training phase. Initially, the team was scheduled to participate in a friendly tournament in Thailand, but due to logistical issues, the location has shifted to Spain, complicating their preparations. Instead, the VFF is now considering a training camp in the UAE, which is deemed suitable for weather conditions and match organization.

Following their training in the UAE, the team, under Roland's guidance, will head directly to Qatar for the U17 World Cup. This tournament represents a significant opportunity for Vietnam's youth football, as they will compete in Group G against teams from Belgium, Mali, and New Zealand.