Following Nguyen Xuan Son’s inclusion, another naturalized player, Jason Quang Vinh Pendant, is expected to be called up to the Vietnamese national team as preparations begin for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Jason Quang Vinh Pendant: A promising addition

Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) Vice President Tran Anh Tu revealed that the federation is eyeing Jason Quang Vinh Pendant of CAHN (Ha Noi Police FC) as a potential addition to the national team.

"After Xuan Son, we’re considering Jason Quang Vinh Pendant. He’s young and has the potential for a long-term contribution to Vietnam’s national team," said Tu.

Head coach Kim Sang Sik has identified Pendant as a key player for the left wing - a position lacking depth since Doan Van Hau’s injury, with no clear timeline for recovery.

Progress toward naturalization

Jason Quang Vinh Pendant, who has a Vietnamese mother and French father, is currently completing his naturalization process. If all goes smoothly, he will officially become a Vietnamese citizen in the coming days.

Unlike Xuan Son, a fully naturalized player, Quang Vinh is of mixed heritage, which may streamline his integration into the team.

His addition is especially crucial as Xuan Son is expected to miss approximately nine months due to injury. If cleared, Pendant could debut for the national team during the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup, starting with a match against Laos on March 25.

VFF’s strategic approach to naturalization

While the VFF is open to naturalized players, it adopts a selective approach, avoiding the mass recruitment strategy employed by some countries like Indonesia.

"Even with naturalized players, Quang Vinh must meet the standards and expectations set by the head coach," said Tran Anh Tu.

He stressed that youth development remains a top priority for Vietnamese football, ensuring a balance between short-term success and long-term growth.

"Achieving results should not come at the cost of dismantling our youth training system. Without opportunities for young players, gaps will emerge in the national team," Tu stated.

The VFF has outlined a roadmap for Vietnamese football, as directed by the Prime Minister, with milestones extending to 2045.

By 2030, the national team is tasked with breaking into the top 10–16 in Asia and securing a spot in the FIFA World Cup finals. However, Tu emphasized that these goals require collective efforts across all levels of society, not just from the VFF.

"We need everyone’s support to advance Vietnamese football to new heights," he concluded.

Dai Nam