Vietnam national football team assembles for SEA Games 2026 preparation

Hanoi, March 15, 2026 — Vietnam's national football team officially convened at the National Sports Training Center to begin preparations for the 18th SEA Games, scheduled to take place in Thailand later this year. According to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), this training camp gathers 28 players from clubs across the country, including many promising young talents recognized after the 2026 national championship. The coaching staff led by head coach Nguyen Van Nhung will conduct fitness, individual technical drills, and tactical formation exercises over two months. Coach Nhung stated in a brief press conference: "We are aiming for the semi-finals at SEA Games 2026. This is an opportunity for young Vietnamese players to prove their abilities against strong regional opponents." Among the summoned players, forward Nguyen Huu Thang from The Cong club and defender Pham Van Dung from Song Da Hanoi are considered the team's most crucial pillars. Notably, young midfielder Tran Cong Minh, only 20 years old, is being tested by the coaching staff in an attacking midfield role. The team is scheduled to play friendly matches with several top domestic clubs and may travel to China for a one-week training camp in May. The training trip costs are estimated at 50 million dong, partially sponsored by the General Department of Sports and Physical Training. SEA Games 2026 will kick off on November 24 in Chiang Mai, with men's football featuring 8 competing nations. The Vietnamese team is placed in Group B alongside host Thailand, Malaysia, and Myanmar.