VFF President Trần Quốc Tuấn Meets and Encourages the National Team
Today (23 June), the Vietnam National Team officially began the first day of activities in its training camp in preparation for the ASEAN Cup 2026. On this occasion, VFF President Trần Quốc Tuấn, on behalf of the Standing Committee of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), met with and encouraged the players and coaching staff as they embark on this important training campaign. Also attending the meeting were VFF General Secretary Nguyễn Văn Phú and Director of National Teams Department Đoàn Anh Tuấn.
At the meeting, VFF President Trần Quốc Tuấn extended a warm welcome to the three newcomers receiving their first call-up to the Vietnam National Team: Le Giang Patrik, Nguyễn Tài Lộc, and Ngô Đăng Khoa. He expressed his confidence that the trio would quickly adapt to the national team environment, showcase their abilities, and make meaningful contributions to the squad.
President Trần Quốc Tuấn emphasized that the team’s immediate objective is to successfully defend its ASEAN Cup 2026 title. He acknowledged that the task will be challenging, as regional rivals have made significant investments and shown considerable progress in recent years. He therefore urged the players to prepare thoroughly and approach the campaign with the highest level of determination and commitment.
Looking beyond the immediate target, President Trần Quốc Tuấn also highlighted the team’s long-term ambitions, including the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 and future FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns. He praised the important role of experienced players such as Nguyễn Quang Hải, Nguyễn Hoàng Đức, Đặng Văn Lâm, Đỗ Duy Mạnh, and Đoàn Văn Hậu, while expressing his expectation that the newly called-up players will provide additional quality and strengthen the team’s depth in the years ahead.
Addressing the squad, President Trần Quốc Tuấn also noted that Vietnamese football continues to receive strong support and investment from the Party and State leadership, as well as the country’s sports authorities. He added that improved infrastructure and training facilities in the near future will provide better conditions for the development, preparation, and long-term growth of the national teams.
Emphasizing the importance of professionalism, President Trần Quốc Tuấn urged all players to strictly adhere to the coaching staff’s regulations, maintain disciplined daily routines and adequate rest, and remain fully focused on their professional responsibilities throughout the training camp and competition period.
On behalf of the players, team captain Đỗ Duy Mạnh expressed his appreciation for the encouragement, support, and close guidance provided by the VFF leadership. He affirmed that the entire squad fully understands its responsibilities and is committed to working hard in training, maintaining unity, and giving its utmost effort to achieve the team’s objectives.
According to the training schedule, the Vietnam National Team will train in Hanoi from 23 June to 1 July before departing for a training camp in Korea Republic from 2 to 14 July. During the overseas camp, the team will play three friendly matches against carefully selected opponents that suit the coaching staff’s training objectives, providing an opportunity to assess the squad and fine-tune tactical plans.
Upon returning from Korea Republic, the team will resume training in Hanoi before taking on Myanmar in an international friendly on 18 July at Thái Nguyên Stadium. The match will serve as an important opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate the squad and finalize preparations ahead of the ASEAN Cup 2026.
According to the tournament schedule, Vietnam will begin its ASEAN Cup 2026 group-stage campaign with an away match against Timor-Leste on 24 July. With a well-balanced squad and thorough preparations, head coach Kim Sang Sik and his players are aiming to successfully defend their ASEAN Cup title.
