The defending champions are aiming to retain their regional crown, and one of the most notable aspects of the squad is the increased presence of naturalised players.

Nguyen Tai Loc, formerly known as Geovane, has received his first call-up to the national team. The Ninh Binh player is capable of operating as an attacking midfielder, winger or forward and has been rewarded for his strong performances at club level.

Goalkeeper Patrick Le Giang has also been selected for the first time. The Ho Chi Minh City Police FC shot-stopper impressed Kim Sang Sik with his consistent form and recently helped his club win the 2025-26 National Cup after defeating Ninh Binh in the final.

While Tai Loc and Patrick Le Giang have been included, several notable names have been left out, including goalkeeper Nguyen Filip, defender Cao Quang Vinh of Hanoi FC and striker Nguyen Tien Linh of Ho Chi Minh City Police FC.

Their absence means the squad will feature three naturalised players: Nguyen Tai Loc, Nguyen Xuan Son and Hoang Hen.

The latest selection also reflects the coaching staff’s desire to increase competition across the squad. Players with diverse footballing backgrounds, strong physical attributes and modern tactical understanding are expected to provide greater depth in multiple positions.

Experienced core remains intact

Despite introducing fresh faces, Kim Sang Sik has retained the backbone of the team that has formed the foundation of Vietnam’s recent success.

Experienced internationals including Nguyen Quang Hai, Nguyen Hoang Duc, Do Duy Manh, Le Pham Thanh Long, Doan Van Hau, Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Nguyen Van Vi, Nguyen Hai Long, Pham Xuan Manh, Nguyen Thanh Chung and Truong Tien Anh all remain part of the squad.

The squad announcement also highlights Vietnam’s long-term succession planning.

Several promising young players have been handed opportunities, including Nguyen Dinh Bac, Nguyen Ngoc My, Nguyen Nhat Minh, Dinh Quang Kiet and Tran Trung Kien, all of whom have shown encouraging development at club level.

South Korea training camp and Myanmar friendly

Vietnam will regroup in Hanoi on June 22 before departing for South Korea on July 2 for a training camp running through July 14.

During the overseas camp, the team will play three international friendlies aimed at evaluating personnel and fine-tuning tactical plans.

After returning to Vietnam, the squad will continue preparations in Hanoi before taking on Myanmar in an international friendly at Thai Nguyen Stadium on July 18.

The match will serve as the final major test before the start of ASEAN Cup 2026.

Vietnam will open their title defence campaign away to Timor-Leste on July 24 in the group stage.

With a strengthened squad, a blend of experience and youth, and an extensive preparation schedule, Kim Sang Sik’s side are targeting another successful ASEAN Cup run.

Vietnam squad for June-July training camp

Goalkeepers: Patrick Le Giang, Nguyen Dinh Trieu, Tran Trung Kien.

Defenders: Do Duy Manh, Nguyen Thanh Chung, Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Doan Van Hau, Nguyen Van Vi, Pham Xuan Manh, Truong Tien Anh, Dinh Quang Kiet.

Midfielders: Nguyen Hoang Duc, Nguyen Quang Hai, Le Pham Thanh Long, Nguyen Hai Long, Nguyen Ngoc My, Nguyen Nhat Minh, Nguyen Dinh Bac.

Forwards: Nguyen Tai Loc, Nguyen Xuan Son, Hoang Hen and other selected attacking players.

Dai Nam