Tournament regulations state that each team must register a minimum of 18 and a maximum of 23 players. This list must be submitted no later than 10 days before the first match, which for Vietnam is against Jordan in Group A on 6/1.

On 4/1, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) released the official squad lists for all 16 teams. Vietnam made three changes compared to the 33rd SEA Games squad: goalkeeper Pham Dinh Hai, defender Le Van Ha, and forward Bui Vi Hao replaced Nguyen Tan, Dang Tuan Phong, and Nguyen Le Phat, respectively. However, the team may enter its first match with only 20 players.

Nguyen Thanh Nhan and Vietnam thank fans after defeating the Philippines 2-0 in the men's football semi-finals of the 33rd SEA Games at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on 15/12/2025. Photo: Hieu Luong

Goalkeeper Pham Dinh Hai was registered as a replacement on 31/12. The AFC approved this change due to the specialized nature of the goalkeeper position and the requirement for each team to register at least three goalkeepers. However, Dinh Hai is still in Ha Noi because he has not yet received his visa for Saudi Arabia. This delay is attributed to public holidays for the New Year, which caused a four-day shutdown for relevant authorities, and his case is not expected to be resolved until 5/1.

Vietnam currently has two available goalkeepers: Tran Trung Kien and Cao Van Binh.

Meanwhile, Bui Vi Hao is experiencing pain near a previous right ankle ligament surgery site after a 1-2 practice match loss to Syria. Nguyen Thanh Nhan is in a race against time to recover from a thigh injury. The availability of both players for the group stage remains uncertain.

These two forwards, both born in 2003, represent quality attacking options in coach Kim Sang-sik's tactical plans. However, their injuries have caused them to miss many important events. Hao was unable to participate in the AFF U23 Championship and the 33rd SEA Games, while Nhan previously missed the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, the 2024 AFC U23 Asian Cup, and the 2025 AFF U23 Championship.

Thanh Nhan, 1,78 m tall, developed in Tay Ninh before joining the PVF Youth Football Training Center while still in Ho Chi Minh City. He played for many years in the First Division for Pho Hien (now PVF-CAND). The forward is currently in good form and highly motivated. At the 33rd SEA Games, Nhan scored two decisive goals: one against the Philippines (2-0) in the semi-finals and another against Thailand (3-2) in the final.

Bui Vi Hao celebrates winning the 2024 ASEAN Cup at Rajamangala Stadium on the evening of 5/1/2024. Photo: Duc Dong

Vi Hao, 1,8 m tall, developed in An Giang before joining Binh Duong in 2022. He was quickly promoted to the first team to play in the V-League, forming a striking partnership with Nguyen Tien Linh for the Binh Duong club. He has also been a core player for Vietnam's youth teams. At the 2024 ASEAN Cup, Vi Hao scored one goal and provided one assist, helping Vietnam secure the championship.

Vietnam's attack is being built around three primary options. While Dinh Bac is almost certainly guaranteed a spot, the remaining two positions are contested by Le Van Thuan, Nguyen Quoc Viet, Nguyen Ngoc My, Khuat Van Khang, and Le Viktor.

Vietnam has one day of preparation left before their opening match in Group A of the AFC U23 Asian Cup against Jordan, followed by Kyrgyzstan on 9/1 and Saudi Arabia on 12/1.

The 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup Finals feature 16 teams divided into four groups. Teams will play a single round-robin format, with the four group winners and four second-placed teams advancing to the quarter-finals. This year's tournament does not serve as a qualifier for the 2028 Olympic Games.

Vietnam U23 National Football Team Squad:

Goalkeepers (three): Tran Trung Kien (Hoang Anh Gia Lai), Cao Van Binh (Song Lam Nghe An), Pham Dinh Hai (Ha Noi FC)

Defenders (six): Le Van Ha (Ha Noi), Vo Anh Quan, Nguyen Hieu Minh (PVF-CAND), Pham Ly Duc (Cong An Ha Noi), Nguyen Duc Anh (Da Nang), Nguyen Nhat Minh (Hai Phong)

Midfielders (nine): Nguyen Cong Phuong, Khuat Van Khang (The Cong), Pham Minh Phuc (Cong An Ha Noi), Nguyen Thai Son, Le Van Thuan (Thanh Hoa), Viktor Le (Ha Tinh), Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong (Cong An Ho Chi Minh City), Nguyen Phi Hoang (Da Nang), Nguyen Xuan Bac (PVF-CAND)

Forwards (five): Nguyen Ngoc My (Thanh Hoa), Nguyen Quoc Viet (Ninh Binh), Nguyen Dinh Bac (Cong An Ha Noi), Nguyen Thanh Nhan (PVF-CAND), Bui Vi Hao (Becamex Ho Chi Minh City).

Hieu Luong