Vietnam national team sets reunion date, ready to defend AFF Cup crown

Vietnam's squad will assemble on June 22 in Hanoi to gear up for defending their AFF Cup 2026 title.

The Vietnam national team will officially assemble on June 22 in Hanoi to prepare for AFF Cup 2026. This is the first gathering of coach Kim Sang-sik and his players after the 2025/26 national professional season ends, marking the start of their journey to defend the Southeast Asian championship they currently hold.

Gathering immediately after the domestic leagues conclude is considered a crucial step in the team's preparation plan. The coaching staff and the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) have developed a detailed roadmap, from assembling the squad, organizing training camps, to international friendlies, to help the team reach peak condition before the tournament.

Given the still-heavy schedule of club matches, the VFF has proactively worked with clubs to balance club interests and national duties. The player call-up plans have been carefully calculated to ensure coach Kim Sang-sik has the strongest squad without affecting the operations of the parent clubs.

Earlier, VFF leaders also held a meeting with Hanoi Police FC to coordinate plans for the national team. Representatives of the police club affirmed their full support when players are called up, thereby facilitating the team's preparation process.

At the 2026 Cup, Vietnam enters the tournament as the defending champion and continues to be regarded as a top contender for the title. Coach Kim Sang-sik is expected to build a stable framework, combining experienced pillars with ambitious young players to achieve the goal of successfully defending the championship.

According to the schedule, Vietnam will kick off their campaign with an away match against Timor-Leste on July 24. After that, the team will face Singapore, Indonesia, and Cambodia in the group stage. If they advance past this round, coach Kim Sang-sik and his players will aim for the semifinals and then the final, which will be played over two legs on August 22 and 26.