Several members of U23 Vietnam are expected to receive opportunities in the upcoming national team training camp as coach Kim Sang Sik prepares for matches against Bangladesh and Malaysia later this month.

Testing the squad for the future

Malaysia may face point deductions and match forfeits, which could potentially hand Vietnam a place in the 2027 Asian Cup.

If that scenario unfolds, Vietnam’s rematch against Malaysia would become an important opportunity for Kim Sang Sik to evaluate players and shape the team for the future.

Because the pressure of results may be lower, the South Korean coach is likely to give opportunities to several newcomers and standout players from the U23 squad.

This would not be the first time Kim has relied on younger players. During the national team’s preparation for Asian Cup qualifiers against Nepal in October 2025, several U23 players were also called up.

Giving young talents opportunities in less demanding matches is seen as part of a long-term plan to prepare Vietnam for future competitions, including World Cup qualifiers, the Asian Cup, and regional tournaments.

Who could be selected?

Among U23 players, goalkeeper Trung Kien appears almost certain to receive a call-up. The young shot-stopper has maintained consistent form in the V-League and previously impressed at the AFC U23 Championship.

In defense, the situation may open another chance for Nhat Minh. With Ly Duc suspended and Hieu Minh dealing with injury, while several senior center-backs are struggling with form or fitness, Nhat Minh could earn his second call-up to the national team.

Other players such as Phi Hoang, Van Khang, and Thanh Nhan are also strong candidates to return to the squad, having already been included in the previous training camp before the Nepal matches.

Midfielder Xuan Bac, however, faces tougher competition. The possible return of Doan Ngoc Tan after injury could significantly reduce the young player’s chances of being selected.

Although the number of U23 players called up may not be as large as during the Nepal preparation camp, having more than half of that generation included would still be encouraging.

It would signal that Kim Sang Sik is steadily implementing a generational transition, aiming to build a Vietnam national team with greater energy, depth, and long-term competitiveness.

Dai Nam