Ahead of the 2026 Asian Games, coach Kim Sang Sik and acting head coach Dinh Hong Vinh have been carefully assessing their options. Vietnam U23’s training squad is beginning to take shape, with several young players who have impressed in the 2026/27 LPBank V-League expected to be included.

According to several sources, the squad will largely feature players called up for the most recent training camp in July. Among the notable names are players who featured at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup finals and the CFA Team China friendly tournament in March, including Cao Van Binh, Vo Anh Quan, Nguyen Xuan Bac, Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong, Nguyen Phi Hoang, Le Van Thuan, Le Viktor, Nguyen Cong Phuong, Nguyen Thanh Nhan, Nguyen Quoc Viet and Le Phat.

Coach Kim Sang Sik has also decided to give opportunities to several young players from Vietnam U20. Striker Dinh Bac is not on the list as he will be with the senior Vietnam national team for the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup.

Ahead of the training camp, several Vietnam U23 players strengthened their case for selection with impressive performances in the opening round of the V-League. Among the standouts was midfielder Tran Thanh Trung for Ninh Binh FC.

With senior midfielder Nguyen Hoang Duc sidelined by injury, the Bulgarian-Vietnamese youngster was entrusted by coach Chu Dinh Nghiem with orchestrating Ninh Binh’s play in their away match against Hai Phong. Thanh Trung quickly repaid that faith with two assists, helping Ninh Binh come from behind to secure an emphatic 4-1 victory.

However, Thanh Trung suffered an injury during the match at Lach Tray Stadium, leaving his chances of representing Vietnam U23 at the Asian Games uncertain.

Another Ninh Binh youngster, Nguyen Le Phat, also impressed. The 2007-born striker scored to put the former Hoa Lu capital’s team 2-1 ahead, contributing to its 4-1 victory over Hai Phong in the V-League season opener.

Up front, Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong scored in Cong An TPHCM (HCM City Police)’s 3-1 victory over Hanoi FC. Truong Thanh Nam also made his mark by breaking the deadlock as Thanh Hoa defeated SHB Da Nang 3-2.

In goal, Cao Van Binh of Song Lam Nghe An demonstrated his ability and value in a 1-0 victory over Bac Ninh. He is expected to play an important role for Vietnam U23 at the upcoming Asian Games.

Vietnam U23 is scheduled to assemble in Hanoi from Sept. 11 before departing for Japan.

In the men’s football tournament at the 20th Asian Games, Vietnam U23 has been drawn in Group C alongside Uzbekistan, the Philippines and Kuwait. The group is considered manageable for Thanh Nhan and his teammates. While Uzbekistan is regarded as a formidable opponent, the Philippines and Kuwait are seen as more evenly matched with Vietnam.

Dai Nam