The CFA Team China International Youth Tournament Xi'an 2026 concluded at the Xi'an International Football Center on March 31. China's U-23 men's national football team defeated Vietnam's U-23 team 1-0 to claim the runner-up title and laid a solid foundation for the upcoming Asian Games.

China U-23 wins against Vietnam U-23. [Photo/Xi'an news network]

In the semi-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup earlier this year, the Chinese team defeated Vietnam 3-0, fielding its strongest lineup and playing at its peak form.

For the Xi'an tournament, however, the squad changed significantly. Vietnam showed strong determination to win in the opening stages, while China responded calmly. In the 39th minute, Du Yuezheng broke the deadlock with a spectacular long-range strike. In the second half, the Chinese team maintained a solid defense against the opponents' counterattacks, with the goalkeeper making several crucial saves. The team eventually held on to secure their first win of the tournament.

Antonio Puche, head coach of the Chinese team, said after the match, "We only had two or three days of training together before this tournament, so our preparation time was limited. Nevertheless, the team bonded well, and I am satisfied with their overall performance."

Players compete for the ball during the game. [Photo/Xi'an news network]

This tournament is a crucial competitive opportunity for the Chinese U-23 team as it prepares for the Asian Games, now less than six months away. "We will hold another training camp in June to bring the squad together and begin the final preparatory sprint before September. Our ultimate goal is to achieve strong results at the Asian Games," Puche said.