Vietnam's U-17 Coach Credits Mentality Shift for Historic World Cup

Cristiano Roland believes a shift in mentality has been key to Vietnam’s U-17 men making history by qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup™ for the first time. However, Vietnam's journey to the world stage began long before they secured their ticket to Qatar 2026. For Roland, the process started when his players were still learning to overcome an opponent that is not always visible on the pitch: self-doubt. The talent had always been there but what took time to develop was the belief they could show it against stronger opposition.

“The talent has always been there, but we were scared to go up against the stronger teams. We lacked confidence,” Roland said in an interview with FIFA. But now, he sees his side differently. His players have grown more mature and disciplined; they are better able to stay composed under pressure and brave enough to play with personality. For Roland, that change in mentality has been one of the biggest developments on Vietnam's journey to a milestone.

From Self-Doubt to Self-Belief

“The players have learned to believe in themselves,” he said. “They can stay calm under pressure and play as themselves. It’s been absolutely fundamental to achieving this historic goal.” Having made history on the continental stage, Vietnam are now working towards a brand new arena that will present a new set of challenges. The Golden Star Warriors have been drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Mali and New Zealand at the U-17 World Cup, which runs from 19 November to 13 December.

For Roland, a successful Asian campaign does not automatically mean his side are completely ready for the demands of the world stage. “Asian football has developed enormously in recent years and there are now teams capable of competing at a very high level,” he said. “But the World Cup is a different matter.” Roland believes the differences will be apparent in the physical intensity of the game, the speed of decision-making and the competitive experience of the sides. Against high-quality opposition, Vietnam will need to maintain their level for the full 90 minutes, especially when one minor mistake can decide a match.

Preparing for the World Stage

“We have to be mentally and physically ready to compete at the highest intensity,” said Roland. On a personal level for Roland, the achievement carries a much deeper meaning. Being part of the first Vietnam team to qualify for the U-17 World Cup is an achievement that will stay with him throughout his career and life, but he wants to share that feeling elsewhere. “This is a really important moment for me, both professionally and personally,” he said. “But it’s even more important to see what it’s meant to the players, their families and the fans.”

The significance of Vietnam’s qualification shouldn’t be underestimated as football continues to develop. Roland sees this generation's achievement as an opportunity to inspire those who follow, but before thinking about the long-term impact, there is work to be done in Qatar. The Brazilian knows that football at World Cup level will demand continued improvement from Vietnam, with the ability to keep evolving essential in the elite game.

Evolution Without Losing Identity

To make that progress, Vietnam will need to play with greater intensity, improve in both attack and defence, and become more attentive to tactical detail. “We also want to improve the players' ability to make quick decisions under pressure,” he added. That evolution, however, must not come at the expense of the identity that has taken them this far. Roland wants Vietnam to improve while staying true to their style of play. “The aim is to preserve the team’s identity but step it up a level,” he said.