Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam national futsal team kicked off its first training camp of 2025 today, gathering at the Thai Son Nam Arena in District 8, Ho Chi Minh City, for a month-long preparation from March 17 to April 16.
This intensive session sets the stage for two major upcoming events: the 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers and the 33rd SEA Games. With a mix of returning stars, seasoned veterans, and fresh talent, the team is poised to sharpen its skills ahead of a challenging year.
The camp marks a significant moment with the return of key players Nguyen Minh Tri and Vu Duc Tung. Nguyen Minh Tri, a pivotal pivo, rejoins the squad after a lengthy recovery from injury, while Vu Duc Tung, absent since the 2021 FIFA Futsal World Cup finals, bolsters the lineup. Head coach Diego Giustozzi has also injected new energy into the team by calling up four debutants—An Lam Toi, Tran Quang Nguyen, Trinh Cong Dai, and Do Van Thanh—offering them a chance to prove their worth alongside established names.
The core of the team remains formidable, featuring standout performers like Golden Ball winner Nguyen Thinh Phat, Silver Ball recipient Nguyen Manh Dung, Bronze Ball holder Pham Van Tu, goalkeeper Ho Van Y, and key players Nguyen Thai Huy, Chau Doan Phat, and Nhan Gia Hung. These veterans provide a solid foundation as Vietnam aims to compete at the highest level in the Asian futsal scene. “This is a critical phase for us,” said Coach Giustozzi. “We’re building a team that can rise to any challenge, and this camp is where it starts.”
The training schedule includes four high-stakes friendly matches in April to test the squad’s progress. Vietnam will face Saudi Arabia on April 8 and 10, followed by clashes with Kazakhstan on April 13 and 15. Kazakhstan, a formidable opponent, made headlines at the 2024 Futsal World Cup by reaching the quarterfinals after a 2-1 upset over Portugal in the round of 16. These matches promise to push Vietnam’s players to their limits, offering valuable experience against top-tier competition.
The team’s 2025 calendar is packed with ambition. The qualifiers for the 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup are slated for September, where Vietnam hopes to secure a spot in the continental showdown. Later, in December, the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand will test the team’s mettle as they aim to bring home medals. “Every session, every game is a step toward those goals,” said Nguyen Thinh Phat. “We’re ready to give everything.”
Based at the Thai Son Nam Arena, a hub for futsal in southern Vietnam, the team benefits from top-notch facilities and strong local support. Fans in Ho Chi Minh City have already begun buzzing with excitement, eager to see stars like Ho Van Y, widely regarded as one of Asia’s best goalkeepers, and the dynamic Nguyen Minh Tri back in
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