According to Tu, the team will gather on September 12 and leave for Japan the same day. They are expected to arrive on September 13, just two days before their opening match on September 15, leaving little time for the squad to train together beyond familiarising themselves with the venue.

Personnel issues are adding to the challenge, with several coaching staff members and players set to join the team late. Two players from Hai Phong FC, in particular, are not expected to link up with the squad until September 15.

Goalkeeper availability is another concern. Hanoi FC has yet to release one of its goalkeepers due to an injury to another goalkeeper at the club. The VFF is awaiting confirmation of the injury before making a replacement under tournament regulations.

Tu ruled out the possibility of Vietnam competing with only two goalkeepers, saying tournament rules require each team to register three. A replacement will therefore have to be called up if the Hanoi FC goalkeeper is unavailable.

The VFF is still targeting a quarter-final berth, but Tu acknowledged that limited preparation time and personnel issues could affect the team's campaign.

The squad for ASIAD 20 is also part of Vietnam's longer-term preparations for the 2027 SEA Games. Tu shared that the VFF had previously reported its plans to relevant authorities, with the ASIAD squad largely geared towards building a team for the SEA Games 2027.

Vietnam are in Group C alongside Uzbekistan, the Philippines and Kuwait. Coach Dinh Hong Vinh's side will face Kuwait on September 15, the Philippines on September 18 and Uzbekistan on September 22.

Vietnam placed among top seeds for ASIAD 2026 football draw

VOV.VN - Vietnam have been placed in the top seeding pot for the men's football tournament at the 2026 Asian Games (ASIAD), alongside hosts Japan, the Republic of Korea and China, giving them a favourable position ahead of the group-stage draw.