Vietnam Beach Soccer Team Begin Preparations for AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup 2026

The Vietnam beach soccer team have assembled to prepare for the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup 2026, with a core group of players who featured in the 2025 edition of the continental competition

Under head coach Mai Van Duc, the squad comprises 20 players selected from among the standout performers at the 2026 National Beach Soccer Championship, held in Quy Nhon – Gia Lai in August.

Notably, nine players in the squad also participated in the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup 2025: Nguyen Huu An, Nguyen Anh Quang, Tran Kim Trung, Mai Van Manh, Ho Quoc Hung, Le Thai Nguyen, Pham Truong Du, Tran Ngoc Bao and Phan Dat. Their previous experience at the continental level provides valuable continuity as the team prepare for the 2026 tournament.

During their training camp in Da Nang, the team will focus on improving physical fitness, refining tactical and technical skills, and developing suitable match strategies for their group-stage opponents.

With his wealth of experience, Tran Ngoc Bao (in white) is once again expected to play a key role as Vietnam aim for positive results at the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup 2026.

The tournament will feature 12 teams divided into three groups. In Group A, hosts Thailand will face three-time champions Japan, 2006 champions Bahrain and Iraq.

In Group B, Iran will aim to defend their title and claim a record fifth championship. Vietnam will face Lebanon, Iran and Afghanistan in their group-stage matches.

Group C comprises Oman, champions in 2015; the United Arab Emirates, two-time champions; Saudi Arabia; and Uzbekistan.

Under the competition format, the top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarter-finals.

According to the schedule, Vietnam will face Lebanon at 17:00 on 19 November, Iran at 17:00 on 21 November and Afghanistan at 17:00 on 23 November. All matches will take place in Phang Nga, Thailand.