January 16, 2026 – The football world is buzzing following a historic night for Vietnamese football. The U23 national team secured a dramatic victory over the UAE in the AFC U23 Asian Cup quarterfinals, propelling them into the tournament’s semifinals. The intense, hard-fought match, which stretched to 120 minutes, concluded in the early hours of Saturday, triggering spontaneous, massive celebrations across Vietnam's major urban centers.
A Nation Unites in Midnight Triumph
The final whistle, sounding well after 1 a.m. local time, immediately unleashed waves of jubilant supporters onto the streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The scenes witnessed were a powerful testament to the nation's passion for the sport, mirroring the electric atmosphere seen during the 33rd SEA Games victory late last year.
Hanoi's Sea of Red and Yellow
In the capital, Hanoi, central arteries like Nguyen Trai and Cau Giay quickly transformed into rivers of red and yellow, dominated by the national flag. Fans, undeterred by the late hour, gathered densely in front of landmarks such as the Hanoi Opera House plaza, where air horns blared continuously and victory chants echoed late into the morning.
The celebrations caused significant logistical challenges. The Kim Lien underpass became a key bottleneck as streams of ecstatic fans converged, leading to prolonged traffic congestion. Traffic police worked diligently throughout the early morning hours, managing the gridlock and attempting to keep traffic flowing while acknowledging the overwhelming public outpouring of joy.
In a moment blending national pride with personal milestones, one couple—Minh Hieu and Thu Thuy—used the euphoric backdrop to conduct a spontaneous wedding photoshoot near the underpass, capturing their special day amidst the nation’s collective happiness. Even as the clock approached 2:10 a.m., the energy remained incredibly high, with thousands still lining the major routes. The vibrant scene was punctuated by fireworks and flares cutting through the cool, 15-degree Celsius night air.
Ho Chi Minh City's Riverside Pride
The southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City mirrored Hanoi’s fervor. Nguyen Hue pedestrian street became a vibrant center for national pride shortly after 1 a.m. Supporters packed the area, chanting relentlessly in honor of Coach Kim Sang-sik’s U23 squad.
By 2 a.m., the riverside areas, including Ton Duc Thang and Ben Bach Dang, were nearly impassable as hundreds gathered to celebrate the historic achievement. Fans utilized everything from loudspeakers to pots and pans to create a thunderous, rhythmic soundtrack accompanying their cheers. One supporter, Hoang Anh, expressed his astonishment at the sheer scale of the turnout, noting how the atmosphere transcended typical post-match reactions.
A Historic Second Ascent to the Semifinals
This advancement marks only the second time in history that Vietnam has reached the penultimate stage of the AFC U23 Asian Cup. The first was in 2018, under the highly successful tenure of former coach Park Hang-seo. Replicating that success under new leadership underscores the strength and resilience of Vietnam’s youth development program.
The U23 team’s ability to grind out a result after 120 minutes of intense competition against a strong UAE side highlights their mental fortitude. The victory sets up a highly anticipated semifinal clash, which will undoubtedly capture the attention of sports fans across the continent.
Looking Ahead: The Semifinal Push
The team’s performance throughout the tournament has been marked by tactical discipline and fighting spirit, qualities that resonated deeply with the fans celebrating in the streets. As the team prepares for the next hurdle, the entire nation is galvanized, hoping this squad can emulate or even surpass the legendary 2018 run. The outpouring of support confirms that, regardless of the final result, this U23 generation has already secured a special place in Vietnamese sporting history.
For football analysts across the US and the wider Asian region, Vietnam’s continued success in this tournament offers a compelling narrative about the emerging talent pool in Southeast Asian football. The focus now shifts from the celebrations to the tactical preparation required for the semifinal challenge ahead.
