Head coach Kim Sang Sik has announced a full-strength Vietnam national team squad as preparations intensify for the upcoming friendly against Bangladesh on March 26 and the decisive clash with Malaysia on March 31 in the final qualifying round of the Asian Cup 2027.

The squad, unveiled on March 17, features a blend of established names and notable additions, reflecting both immediate competitive goals and longer-term strategic planning.

Among the most talked-about inclusions is newly naturalized player Do Hoang Hen (Hendrio), who earns his first call-up to the national team. The Korean coach personally observed his performance in Hanoi FC’s 2-1 victory over CAHN, where he scored a brace.

Primarily a creative midfielder, Hoang Hen has also proven highly effective in advanced attacking roles, particularly on the left flank. His pace, dribbling ability and finishing make him a promising new attacking option for Vietnam.

At the national level, Hoang Hen reunites with his former teammate Xuan Son. During their time at Thep Xanh Nam Dinh, Hoang Hen played a key role in supporting Xuan Son, who scored 31 goals in the 2023/24 season.

Vietnam also welcomes the return of key defenders Van Hau and Dinh Trong, both of whom were integral under former coach Park Hang Seo. Their current form has earned them a place back in the squad.

Coach Kim continues to place trust in familiar names such as Nguyen Filip, Dang Van Lam, Duy Manh, Xuan Manh, Cao Quang Vinh, Hoang Duc, Quang Hai, Hai Long and Tuan Hai. Notable absences include Bui Tien Dung due to injury, Dinh Bac due to suspension, and striker Tien Linh, who misses out following a dip in form.

The team will convene in Hanoi from March 21, with players involved in domestic competitions joining later. Before facing Malaysia at Thien Truong Stadium on March 31, Vietnam will play a preparatory match against Bangladesh at Hang Day Stadium on March 26.

Regarding goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang, who recently completed naturalization procedures, he is still undergoing the necessary review process by relevant football associations and FIFA to determine eligibility for representing Vietnam at the international level.

Qualification outlook and shifting dynamics

Vietnam’s preparations come amid significant developments in Group F of the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.

Following sanctions by the Asian Football Confederation over Malaysia’s use of ineligible players, the team was handed 0-3 defeats in matches against Vietnam and Nepal, fined US$50,000, and deducted six points.

This decision has reshaped the standings. Vietnam, benefiting from the adjusted result, now sits at the top of the group with 15 points and a superior goal difference of +13. Malaysia drops to nine points, while Nepal moves into third place.

With a six-point lead and only one match remaining, Vietnam has officially secured qualification for the Asian Cup 2027 finals in Saudi Arabia. However, the upcoming match against Malaysia is still expected to carry strong competitive significance.

Earlier in the campaign, Vietnam recorded convincing wins over Laos and Nepal, including a 5-0 victory and a series of consistent performances that reinforced their position as group leaders.

Notably, due to domestic instability in Nepal, both legs of Vietnam’s fixtures against Nepal in October 2025 were hosted on home soil, providing a considerable advantage for the team.

Building for the future

Alongside immediate objectives, Vietnamese football is also placing strong emphasis on long-term development.

Coach Kim Sang Sik recently unveiled a U23 squad for the CFA Team China 2026 friendly tournament, featuring a large number of relatively unknown and very young players, many just over 20 years old.

This approach reflects a deliberate strategy by the Vietnam Football Federation to prioritize younger talent, effectively shaping a U21 core that could serve as the foundation for future competitions, including the 2026 Asian Games, SEA Games 2027 and even Olympic qualification campaigns.

Rather than a gamble, the selection represents a calculated investment in the next generation. By exposing young players to international competition early, Vietnam aims to build a resilient and experienced squad for the years ahead.

Past successes of Vietnam’s youth teams at regional and continental tournaments in 2025 and 2026 underscore the effectiveness of this approach. While the current U23 lineup may lack star power, it is widely viewed as a crucial step in laying the groundwork for a new generation of national team players.

As Vietnam balances immediate ambitions with long-term vision, the upcoming fixtures against Bangladesh and Malaysia serve not only as competitive milestones but also as part of a broader journey shaping the future of Vietnamese football.

Dai Nam - Thien Binh