Hanoi, Vietnam – The U22 Vietnam national football team is set to kick off its preparations for the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship qualifiers and the 33rd SEA Games with its first training camp of 2025 during the FIFA Days in March. The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has called up a squad of 27 players for the camp, marking a key step in building a competitive team for the upcoming regional challenges. This gathering continues the VFF’s ongoing program, initiated in 2023/2024, to strengthen the squad ahead of two critical tournaments later this year.
The training camp, scheduled for March, aligns with the FIFA international match calendar, allowing the team to utilize players from various clubs without scheduling conflicts. The VFF has emphasized that this is part of a long-term strategy to provide the coaching staff, led by the yet-to-be-announced head coach for this cycle, with ample time to assess and develop a robust lineup. The ultimate goal is to ensure the U22 team is well-prepared for the AFC U23 Asian Championship qualifiers in September 2025 and the SEA Games in December 2025, both of which are pivotal for Vietnam’s football ambitions in the region.
Since 2023, the VFF has been laying the groundwork for this young squad, focusing on talent identification and tactical cohesion. The U22 team’s recent efforts build on the legacy of Vietnam’s youth football success, including their strong showings in previous SEA Games and AFC tournaments. The 27 players summoned for the March camp represent a mix of emerging talents from domestic leagues, with the VFF aiming to blend experience with fresh potential. While the official roster has not yet been released, speculation among fans and analysts points to standout performers from the V.League and youth academies being included.
The dual targets of the AFC U23 qualifiers and SEA Games 33 carry significant weight for Vietnamese football. The qualifiers, set for September, will test the team’s ability to compete against Asia’s best young squads, with the hope of securing a spot in the 2026 finals. Meanwhile, the SEA Games, hosted by Thailand in December, offer Vietnam a chance to reclaim regional dominance after their gold medal triumph in 2022. The pressure is on for the U22 side to deliver, as football remains one of Vietnam’s most celebrated sports, with fans eagerly anticipating success on both fronts.
This March camp will serve as a critical starting point, allowing the coaching staff to evaluate players, refine strategies, and foster team unity. Additional camps and friendly matches are expected to follow throughout 2025, ensuring the squad is in peak condition by the time the tournaments arrive. As Vietnam continues to invest in its youth football infrastructure, the U22 team’s journey this year could set the tone for the nation’s footballing future.
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