Hanoi, 7 October 2025 – On the morning of October 7, the Vietnam U23 national team departed for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to begin an international training camp as part of their thorough preparation for the upcoming SEA Games 33 and the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup finals.
The Vietnam U23 team officially left for the UAE this morning (October 7) to take part in a training camp and play a series of international friendly matches. This trip marks an important step in the team’s long-term preparation plan, aiming toward two key objectives — the 33rd SEA Games this December and the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup finals.
In terms of squad composition, two changes were made from the original list due to injuries. Midfielder Dinh Xuan Tien suffered a thigh strain from overexertion, while forward Nguyen Ngoc My sustained a groin muscle injury. Both players have remained in Vietnam for recovery. To fill the gaps, the coaching staff called up replacements — Le Dinh Long Vu from Song Lam Nghe An and Nguyen Le Phat from Ninh Binh FC.
Speaking before the team’s departure, acting head coach Dinh Hong Vinh stated: “The Vietnam U23 team is following the set roadmap toward SEA Games 33 and the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup. Each training phase has its own focus for testing and strengthening the squad. For this October camp, head coach Kim Sang Sik has outlined detailed tactical instructions. The team will focus on improving ball circulation, maintaining proper formation spacing, and creating openings behind the defensive line.”
During their stay in the UAE, Vietnam U23 will play two friendly matches against U23 Qatar, scheduled for October 9 and October 13. According to coach Dinh Hong Vinh, these matches provide valuable experience for player development: “Facing strong opponents like U23 Qatar will be extremely beneficial. These games will allow the coaching staff to better assess player potential, adaptability, and overall squad balance before reporting back to head coach Kim Sang Sik for future call-ups.”
Midfielder Nguyen Van Truong also expressed his optimism about the team’s progress: “In recent times, the Vietnam Football Federation has provided the U23 team with great opportunities to compete in high-quality tournaments and training camps abroad. The whole team is now well-prepared for the two upcoming key goals — SEA Games 33 and the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026. We will give our best efforts to meet the expectations of the fans.”
The training camp in the UAE marks a crucial phase in the comprehensive preparation plan set by the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) for the U23 team. It aims to help young players continue developing, gain valuable international experience, and build a solid foundation for future success. Moreover, this trip is part of the ongoing football development cooperation program between the VFF and the Qatar Football Association, which has been active since 2023.
Huu Hung
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