Official: Xuan Son joins the Vietnam National Team to face Laos

Following a 10-month injury hiatus, forward Nguyen Xuan Son is officially listed in the Vietnam National Team roster for the upcoming game versus Laos.

On the afternoon of November 6th, coach Kim Sang Sik officially announced the 23-player squad gathering to prepare for the match against the Laos National Team in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Compared to the previous call-up, this list features two newcomers: center-back Khong Minh Gia Bao (Ho Chi Minh City Police FC) and striker Nguyen Tran Viet Cuong (Becamex Ho Chi Minh City FC) — fresh faces expected to bring youthful energy to the team. Additionally, fans received good news as striker Nguyen Xuan Son returns to the squad after nearly a year off to recover from injury.

Khong Minh Gia Bao, born in 2000, is regarded as a defender with strong marking and physical strength, excellent stamina, and the ability to use both feet effectively. He developed at the People's Public Security Club, then played for Phu Dong Ninh Binh before joining Quang Nam FC, and transferred to Ho Chi Minh City Police FC in August 2025. Gia Bao has represented Vietnam U20 and is considered one of the promising young defenders performing well in Vietnamese football.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Tran Viet Cuong, also born in 2000, is a product of the Becamex Binh Duong academy (former). Known for his speed, technique, and finishing ability, Viet Cuong was a key player for the "land of Thủ" club with 32 appearances and 26 goals in the 2024/25 season, helping the team finish 7th in V.League. In the 2025/26 season, he continued to shine with Becamex Ho Chi Minh City and is regarded by experts as a “hybrid of Anh Duc and Tien Linh” due to his versatility in the attacking line. Viet Cuong has also played for Vietnam U16 and U23 teams.

This training camp coincides with the critical gathering period of the Vietnam U22 team preparing for SEA Games 33, so some outstanding young players who previously participated in the national team are absent this time. Nevertheless, coach Kim Sang Sik maintains a stable squad, balancing experienced key players with those in excellent club form. Moreover, the return of Nguyen Xuan Son is viewed as a positive sign for the attack. At this point, Xuan Son has fully recovered and is ready to make his comeback wearing the national team jersey.

With a stable squad and a determined spirit to seize the opportunity, coach Kim Sang Sik’s team aims to secure all 3 points against Laos, thereby maintaining an advantage in the race for a spot in the 2027 Asian Cup Finals.