Ahead of the match, coach Kim is expected to announce the national team roster later this week. Compared to the October training camp, which included two matches against Nepal, significant changes are anticipated in the lineup.

The Korean strategist may return several young players to the U22 squad and instead bring back experienced veterans to the national team.

In the previous October call-up, eight U23 players were promoted to the senior squad by coach Kim, including goalkeeper Trung Kien, defenders Hieu Minh and Phi Hoang, and midfielders Nhat Minh, Xuan Bac, Van Khang, Thanh Nhan, and Dinh Bac.

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Xuan Son returns to the Vietnam national team after recovering from injury. Photo: S.N

Coach Kim Sang Sik’s decision to rejuvenate the national team was reasonable, especially since the matches against Nepal posed little pressure (Vietnam won both legs). It also created valuable opportunities for young talents to gain international experience in preparation for the SEA Games.

However, with the upcoming training schedule, coach Kim must make calculated decisions. The U22 team will be heading into an important training camp, featuring three high-quality matches against U22 China, U22 Uzbekistan, and U22 South Korea at the 2025 Panda Cup international tournament in China.

All eight young players promoted to the national team in October are key members of the U22 core squad. Therefore, their reintegration into U22 Vietnam is crucial as the team gears up for SEA Games 33 and the 2026 AFC U23 Championship.

While coach Kim may still retain a few young players based on tactical needs, the upcoming national team call-up is expected to include more seasoned veterans.

Among the returning players is striker Nguyen Xuan Son. The Thep Xanh Nam Dinh forward has almost fully recovered from a broken leg and is ready to make his comeback to the national team. This call-up also gives coach Kim and the medical staff a chance to accurately assess Xuan Son’s form ahead of the crucial match against Malaysia in March 2026.

Additionally, familiar names who were absent from the Nepal matches, such as Thanh Chung, Bui Hoang Viet Anh, and Quang Hai, may also be in coach Kim’s plans for the upcoming squad.

Alongside personnel adjustments, the Vietnam national team will also need to refresh its playing style and competitive spirit. Despite winning both games against Nepal in October, the team’s performances did not meet expectations and highlighted the need for tactical and mental improvement.

Dai Nam