The Vietnam national team held its first training session on the afternoon of 21/7 in Chonburi, Thailand, following a day of travel from Hanoi. This session marked the start of their preparations for the opening Group A match against Timor Leste.

Timor Leste is utilizing Chonburi stadium to host their matches in this year's tournament, as their home facilities do not meet international standards. Before the training session, coach Kim Sang-sik urged his players to maintain focus and avoid underestimating Timor Leste.

Midfielder Nguyen Ngoc My expressed his honor in participating in the ASEAN Cup for the first time. He conveyed his commitment, stating: "I am very surprised and happy to be here. I will train and maintain good physical condition, and if I get a chance to play, I will give my all for the national colors."

Ngoc My also noted that the weather in Chonburi is similar to Vietnam, posing no challenges for the team. He added: "We had a good preparation process for the tournament, from a training camp in Korea to a friendly win against Myanmar at Thai Nguyen stadium. The team has completed its final preparations and will unite to defend the championship."

Goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang shared that his dream of wearing the national team jersey came true when he played in the friendly against Myanmar. He is eager to participate in an official tournament. However, the naturalized goalkeeper faces competition for the starting position from Dang Van Lam and younger teammate Tran Trung Kien.

Naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son emphasized that his primary goal is to win the championship with the Vietnam team, rather than competing for the top scorer title at the ASEAN Cup 2026.

Striker Nguyen Dinh Bac, who scored in the friendly against Myanmar, expressed confidence for his first ASEAN Cup. Defender Dinh Quang Kiet, the tallest and youngest player on the team, is also actively preparing, hoping for playing time.

The ASEAN Cup will take place from 24/7 to 8/8. Vietnam is in Group A, alongside Indonesia, Cambodia, Singapore, and Timor Leste.

Following their opening match against Timor Leste on 24/7, Vietnam's schedule includes::* Singapore at My Dinh stadium on 31/7* Indonesia (away) on 3/8* Cambodia (home) on 7/8

Vietnam's 26-player squad includes several naturalized players: goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang, striker Nguyen Xuan Son, striker Nguyen Tai Loc (originally Geovane, number 13), and striker Nguyen Hoang Hen (formerly Hendrio, number 10), who is making his tournament debut.

Duc Dong