Vietnam to play Japan at 2023 AFC Asian Cup

The May 11 draw also saw Asian Cup 2019 quarter-finalists Vietnam to take on Asian Cup 2007 winners Iraq, and Indonesia in Group D.

It will be a tough challenge for coach Philippe Troussier’s Vietnamese players in quest of advancing to the 1/8 round.

Vietnam have yet to enjoy a win over Japan and Iraq in their past encounters, and both Japan and Iraq are likely to top Group D and enter the 1/8 round.

Meanwhile, Indonesia are Vietnam’s tough opponents in Southeast Asia, and they are making great progress in recent times.

The 2023 AFC Asian Cup tournament is scheduled to take place in Qatar from January 12 to February 10, 2024. Twenty-four participating teams in six groups will be competing in a round-robin format to select two winners of each group and four best third-placed teams to the 1/8 round.