The Vietnam Football Federation on September 9 announced Vietnam’s 23-player squad for the 20th Asian Games (ASIAD 20), with most of the key players who helped the team finish third at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 retained.

Retaining the bronze-winning core

Cao Van Binh is the goalkeeper, while the defensive line features Nguyen Hoang, Tuan Phong, Quang Kiet, Duc Anh and Ly Duc. In midfield, Xuan Bac, Thai Quoc Cuong and Cong Phuong have been selected, with Quoc Viet, Le Phat, Ngoc My, Thanh Nhan and Van Thuan forming part of the attacking options.

The players have played together for an extended period and boast an impressive record. They have won the ASEAN U23 Championship and the gold medal at the 33rd SEA Games, most recently finishing third at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026.

Keeping much of the familiar core gives Vietnam U23 an advantage in terms of cohesion, with the players also bringing valuable experience from several international tournaments. This provides an important foundation as they enter a continental competition with limited preparation time.

Alongside established players, Vietnam U23 also feature a number of younger talents. In line with the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF)’s development plan, the combination of experienced and younger players is intended not only to serve the team’s campaign at ASIAD 20 but also to prepare for international assignments in 2027, including the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers, the SEA Games and the ASEAN U23 Championship.

Looking ahead to ASIAD 20 and 2027

Vietnam U23 have prepared for ASIAD 20 in stages. In March, the team held its first training camp and competed at the CFA Team China 2026 tournament, gaining experience against U23 sides from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Thailand and China. At the end of July, they gathered again for a short camp to review and assess the players ahead of the final preparations for ASIAD.

Following the conclusion of the second round of the 2026-2027 V.League, Vietnam U23 will regroup and depart for Japan on the night of September 12.

At ASIAD 20, Vietnam U23 have been drawn in Group C alongside Uzbekistan, the Philippines and Kuwait. They are scheduled to face Kuwait on September 15, the Philippines on September 18 and Uzbekistan on September 22.

Under the competition format, the top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals. Every group-stage match will therefore be important to the team’s hopes of progressing further, with head coach Dinh Hong Vinh leading the side into the continental tournament.

After ASIAD 20, Vietnam U23 are expected to regroup during the November FIFA Days in Gia Lai, maintaining the squad’s momentum and preparing for the international competitions scheduled for 2027.

With a core that has been tested across several tournaments and the addition of promising young players, Vietnam U23 head into ASIAD 20 determined to give their best while gaining further experience at the continental level ahead of the challenges to come.

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