Vietnam team travels to South Korea for training ahead of ASEAN Cup 2026

Vietnam’s squad set off for South Korea on July 2 for a two-week training camp, concluding on July 14, to complete their last steps ahead of the ASEAN Cup 2026.

On the morning of July 2, the Vietnam national team officially headed to Incheon (South Korea), beginning a training camp that will last until July 14, aimed at finalizing the last preparations for the campaign to defend their ASEAN Cup 2026 title. This is seen as the most crucial phase in coach Kim Sang-sik's plan, as the entire squad will have opportunities to compete against quality opponents before entering the region's biggest tournament.

Before this overseas trip, the Vietnam national team had spent over a week training at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center from June 23 to July 1. The coaching staff focused on improving fitness, refining tactical foundations, and helping new players integrate into the team's playing style. The continuous high-intensity sessions also allowed coach Kim Sang-sik to gain a more comprehensive view of each player's form before entering the training phase in South Korea.

The highlight of the training camp is three friendly matches against clubs from three different tiers of South Korean football. On July 5, Vietnam will face Siheung FC, a team playing in K.League 3. Three days later, coach Kim Sang-sik's side will take on Yongin FC from K.League 2 before concluding the camp with a match against Gangwon FC, a K.League 1 representative, on July 13. The selection of opponents with gradually increasing levels is expected to help the team progressively enhance adaptability and test the squad.

Alongside players in peak condition, this trip also includes team members recovering from injuries such as Do Duy Manh, Khua Van Khang, and Le Ngoc Bao. Although not yet at their best physically, this trio was still brought to South Korea by the coaching staff to continue treatment, receive close monitoring from the medical team, and maintain team routines, enabling them to return to play as soon as they are fit.

Coach Kim Sang-sik and his staff view the training camp in South Korea as the last opportunity to review the squad and finalize the core for the ASEAN Cup 2026. Through training sessions and three friendly matches, the coaching staff will evaluate form, tactical execution, and select the most suitable players for the journey to defend the Southeast Asian championship.

According to the schedule, the Vietnam national team will return home on July 14 before playing an international friendly against Myanmar at Thai Nguyen Stadium on July 18. This will be the final dress rehearsal before coach Kim Sang-sik's side officially enters the ASEAN Cup 2026, starting with an away match against Timor-Leste on July 24, with the goal of asserting their status as the defending champions.