Defender Van Hau: 'Naturalized players will make Vietnam better'

According to defender Doan Van Hau, the presence of more naturalized players will strengthen the Vietnam national team for the ASEAN Cup 2026.

To defend their ASEAN Cup title, coach Kim Sang-sik initially called up five naturalized players: Nguyen Xuan Son, Do Hoang Hen, Patrik Le Giang, Nguyen Tai Loc, and Ngo Dang Khoa. However, after one week of training camp, the number decreased to four as Dang Khoa had to leave to treat a grade three meniscus tear.

Doan Van Hau highly values the inclusion of naturalized players, affirming that the remaining team members are ready to help them integrate quickly. "For me, naturalized players will make the team better. The entire squad will support the new players, and we will always give our best to achieve our highest goals in the ASEAN Cup," the defender stated before the afternoon training session on 29/6.

Defender Doan Van Hau training with the Vietnam national team at the Youth Training Center, Hanoi on 26/6. Photo: VFF

Van Hau previously won the AFF Cup 2018 (now the ASEAN Cup) but subsequently missed several key tournaments due to injuries. He only returned to the Vietnam national team in March to play Malaysia in the final match of Group F, Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.

Facing the opportunity to participate in the ASEAN Cup 2026, the 27-year-old defender confirmed he is in good physical condition to follow the coach's training regimen. "I am always ready, but I also hope for good fortune, avoiding injuries so that Vietnam can achieve the best results in the upcoming tournament," Van Hau added.

With Ngo Khoa having left the team, center-back Do Duy Manh is also actively recovering from an injury. Consequently, the team has elected a new leadership group, with the captain's armband given to midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai. Nguyen Hoang Duc and Nguyen Xuan Son were named vice-captains.

Vietnam will continue training in Hanoi until 2/7 before traveling to South Korea for a training camp. On 14/7, the team will return to Hanoi to play a friendly match against Myanmar on 18/7 at Thai Nguyen Stadium. Following this match, coach Kim will finalize the squad list for the ASEAN Cup 2026.

The ASEAN Cup 2026 will take place from 24/7 to 8/8. Vietnam is in Group A alongside Indonesia, Cambodia, Singapore, and Timor Leste. Coach Kim's team will begin their title defense against Timor Leste on 24/7, playing away from home.

Vietnam National Team Squad:

Goalkeepers (3): Tran Trung Kien (HAGL), Dang Van Lam (Ninh Binh), Patrik Le Giang (CA TP HCM)

Defenders (11): Phan Tuan Tai (The Cong), Nguyen Thanh Chung (Ha Noi), Do Duy Manh (Ha Noi), Pham Xuan Manh (Ha Noi), Truong Tien Anh (Ninh Binh), Le Ngoc Bao (Ninh Binh), Doan Van Hau (CA Ha Noi), Bui Hoang Viet Anh (CA Ha Noi), Nguyen Van Vi (Nam Dinh), Nguyen Nhat Minh (Hai Phong), Dinh Quang Kiet (HAGL)

Midfielders (8): Khuat Van Khang (The Cong), Nguyen Hai Long (Ha Noi), Do Hoang Hen (Ha Noi), Nguyen Hoang Duc (Ninh Binh), Le Pham Thanh Long (CA Ha Noi), Le Van Do (CA Ha Noi), Nguyen Quang Hai (CA Ha Noi), Nguyen Ngoc My (Ninh Binh)

Forwards (5): Pham Gia Hung (Ninh Binh), Nguyen Tai Loc (Ninh Binh), Nguyen Dinh Bac (CA Ha Noi), Nguyen Xuan Son (Thep Xanh Nam Dinh), Nguyen Tran Viet Cuong (Becamex TP HCM).