The Vietnam U23 football squad has convened with 29 players under acting head coach Dinh Hong Vinh, as they begin preparations for ASIAD 20. The tournament will take place in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan, from 19/9 to 4/10.
This initial squad includes several players who earned a bronze medal at the U23 Asia 2026 finals and participated in the CFA Team China international friendly tournament. Key players include: goalkeeper Cao Van Binh, defender Vo Anh Quan, midfielders Nguyen Xuan Bac, Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong, Nguyen Phi Hoang, Le Van Thuan, Le Viktor, Nguyen Cong Phuong, and forwards Nguyen Thanh Nhan, Nguyen Quoc Viet.
 |
Coach Dinh Hong Vinh instructs players before a training session at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center, Hanoi in 3/2026. Photo: VFF |
Coach Dinh Hong Vinh instructs players before a training session at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center, Hanoi in 3/2026. Photo: VFF
This is not the final squad list for ASIAD 20. Many potential players are currently engaged with the senior national team or their clubs, preparing for the V-League and First Division. These players include Dinh Quang Kiet, Pham Ly Duc, Nguyen Nhat Minh, and Nguyen Dinh Bac. Consequently, the strongest possible U23 Vietnam squad will only be finalized closer to the ASIAD start date, ensuring a balance between national team duties and club commitments.
With head coach Kim Sang-sik occupied with the ASEAN Cup 2026, Dinh Hong Vinh has been appointed as the acting head coach for this training camp. The team will train at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center from 29/7 to 6/8. This period will allow the coaching staff to review the squad and finalize preparations for ASIAD.
At ASIAD 20, Vietnam is placed in group C alongside Uzbekistan, the Philippines, and Kuwait. Teams will compete in a single round-robin format, with the four group winners and four best runners-up advancing to the quarterfinals.
Similar to the Olympic Games, the men's football tournament at ASIAD features U23 players, with the allowance for three over-age players. However, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) is proposing a strategy to utilize a U21 squad for ASIAD 20. This approach aims to prepare players for the SEA Games 34 in Malaysia in 2027, serve as important preparation for the U23 Asia 2028 finals, and also act as a qualifier for the Olympic 2028 in Los Angeles, USA.
Duc Dong
