Following three straight wins, head coach Kim Sang-sik and his players move into the knockout phase in a favorable position, where each victory carries substantial financial rewards.

Asian media have reported that the tournament offers a sizeable prize pool. The champions could earn up to US$6 million, while the runners-up would receive US$3 million.

The third-placed team is set to collect US$1 million, with US$500,000 awarded to the fourth-placed side.

To move closer to those rewards, however, Vietnam U23 must first overcome UAE U23 in the quarter-finals. The UAE side are known for their physical strength, pace and international experience, meaning Vietnam U23 will need to approach the match with caution.

The team have already received timely encouragement from home. After a 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia U23, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) awarded the squad a bonus of 1 billion dong. Earlier, Vietnam U23 had received a combined VND1.1 billion in bonuses from the VFF following wins over Jordan U23 and Kyrgyzstan U23.

Vietnam U23 are scheduled to face UAE U23 at 10:30 p.m. (Vietnam time) on January 16 in the quarter-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026.

Vietnam face Saudi Arabia in decisive Group A clash at AFC U23 Asian Cup

VOV.VN - The Group A match between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia on the evening of January 12 is set to play a decisive role in determining the final standings and the winners to advance to the knockout stage at the AFC U23 Asian Cup.