Vietnam Olympic team reveals its squad, ready for ASIAD 20

Vietnam's Olympic squad is being completed step by step for the ASIAD 20 men's football tournament held in Japan. As per VFF's strategy, the team will mainly consist of U21 players along with a few U23 players to help the younger generation gain international exposure.

According to the regulations of ASIAD 20 men's football, each team can register 22 players, including those born on or after January 1, 2003, and a maximum of three overage players. However, the VFF's policy is to build the squad mainly from young players, with the core being U21 players, before adding some U23 players to increase depth.

Although the official list will only be announced tomorrow (July 27), information from clubs indicates that many promising players have been called up. Notably, traditional youth training centers continue to contribute a large number of players to the team.

The list of Vietnam Olympic squad gathering for the 2026 ASIAD 20. Photo: Club

Club PVF-CAND has up to seven players in the squad: Nguyễn Quốc Toản, Lê Thắng Long, Nguyễn Bảo Long, Nguyễn Hoàng Anh, Nguyễn Xuân Bắc, Võ Anh Quân, and Nguyễn Thanh Nhàn. Meanwhile, Thể Công Viettel contributes six players: Nguyễn Công Phương, Đặng Tuấn Phong, Nguyễn Mạnh Hưng, Vũ Quốc Anh, Nguyễn Hoàng Khanh, and Trần Đức Duy. Additionally, coach Thạch Bảo Khanh has been invited to join the coaching staff of the Vietnam Olympic team.

Sông Lam Nghệ An has three representatives called up: goalkeeper Cao Văn Bình, center-back Lê Nguyên Hoàng, and midfielder Nguyễn Quang Vinh. Among them, Cao Văn Bình is a standout name, having played a key role in helping U23 Vietnam finish third at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup after a penalty shootout victory over South Korea. Along with Nguyễn Thanh Nhàn and Nguyễn Xuân Bắc, the SLNA trio is expected to be pillars of the Vietnam Olympic team at the ASIAD.

Earlier, the draw for the ASIAD 20 men's football placed Vietnam Olympic in Group C alongside Uzbekistan, Philippines, and Kuwait. Uzbekistan is considered the strongest team in the group, while Philippines and Kuwait are familiar opponents for Vietnamese football in recent years. According to VFF's assessment, this group offers a chance to compete for a spot in the knockout stage if Vietnam Olympic maintains its professional stability.

ASIAD 20 will take place from September 19 to October 4 in Japan. With a focus on youth development, the tournament is not only about competing for results but also a crucial opportunity for young players to gain experience, aiming for the long-term goals of Vietnamese football in the 2027–2028 period.