Nguyen Phong Hong Duy has emphatically stated that he has not declined an opportunity to join the Vietnam national team. “I did not refuse to join the national team. I have always been eager to wear the national jersey. There is no truth to the rumor that I asked to withdraw when Coach Kim Sang-sik called me up,” Hong Duy clarified.
On the morning of May 27, Hong Duy received a call from a representative of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), informing him that he was on the list of players to be called up for the upcoming national team camp. He was also asked about the schedule for his wedding.
“I responded that the wedding was scheduled for the afternoon of June 2 in Binh Phuoc. I was willing to fly out to join the camp after the wedding if I was called up. However, the VFF representative said they would need to discuss this with the head coach and would inform me later. That same afternoon, the VFF announced the squad list, and my name was not on it. There was no instance where I actively requested to withdraw,” Hong Duy recounted.
The VFF confirmed that the information provided by Hong Duy is accurate. They, along with Coach Kim Sang-sik, assessed that if Hong Duy were to fly out on June 3, he would only have two training sessions with the team before the match against the Philippines. Additionally, his focus and physical condition might not be at their best due to the wedding. As a result, they collectively decided not to include Hong Duy in this round of national team call-ups.
Hong Duy’s situation highlights the careful considerations that go into team selections, balancing personal commitments with the demands of representing the national team. While his absence is a matter of scheduling and logistics, his dedication to the team remains unwavering.
The decision also underscores the importance of optimal preparation and readiness for international fixtures. The Vietnam national team, under Coach Kim Sang-sik, is gearing up for two crucial matches in the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Asia.
The squad will convene on June 1 to begin preparations, with the first match against the Philippines scheduled for June 6 at home. This will be followed by an away match against Iraq. The VFF has already started selling tickets for the home match, anticipating strong support from fans eager to see the team perform.
As the team moves forward, Hong Duy’s situation serves as a reminder of the personal sacrifices players often make in their commitment to national duty. The decision to prioritize full readiness and focus is a testament to the professional standards upheld by the VFF and the coaching staff.
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