Van Hau asserts determination to win the AFF Cup with the Vietnam national team

On the afternoon of June 29, the Vietnam national team continued their practice session at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center as part of their preparations for a training trip to South Korea and the ASEAN Cup 2026.

Before the training session, defender Doan Van Hau shared his thoughts with the media regarding the team's preparations and his determination for the upcoming tournament. Having won the AFF Cup 2018 with the Vietnam national team, Van Hau stated that the championship from nearly eight years ago has become a fond memory, and he is now fully focused on the journey ahead.

“For me, the AFF Cup 2018 title is already in the past. I always look to the future. This is also the first time in a long while that I am preparing for an extended tournament like the ASEAN Cup. My goal, as well as the team's, is to strive for the highest achievement,” Van Hau said.

Assessing the current squad strength, the defender born in 1999 believes that the inclusion of naturalized players and Vietnamese-origin players will provide the team with more quality options. “Each period brings different players to the team. I think naturalized players will make the team stronger and offer additional quality alternatives. Regardless of the time, the Vietnam national team's goal is always to give their all to achieve the best results and bring joy to the fans.”

When asked whether having many players from the Hanoi Police Club in the squad facilitates coordination, Van Hau affirmed that once wearing the national team jersey, everyone works toward a common goal: “When you are on the national team, it no longer matters which club you come from. Everyone fights for the flag and the shirt.”

After nearly three years of persistent treatment and recovery from injury, Doan Van Hau returned to the Vietnam national team during the FIFA Days in March 2026 and continues to receive the trust of coach Kim Sang Sik in the current training camp for the ASEAN Cup 2026. The defender born in 1999 affirmed that he is ready for the challenges ahead. “I am currently in very good physical condition. I hope to have good luck, avoid injuries, and be able to accompany the team toward the best possible outcome,” Van Hau expressed.

According to the plan, the Vietnam national team will train in Hanoi until the end of July 1 before departing for a training camp in South Korea from July 2 to July 14. During this period, the team will play three friendly matches to review the squad, assess players' form, and finalize tactical plans before embarking on the journey to defend the ASEAN Cup 2026 title.