Vietnam football hot news today 18/6: Patrik Le Giang eager to join the Vietnam national team; Phu Tho to host AFC U20 qualifiers

Today's Vietnam football breaking news 18/6: Patrik Le Giang keen to join the Vietnam national team; Phu Tho to stage AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers

Patrik Le Giang eager to join the Vietnam national team

Overseas Vietnamese goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang has been called up by coach Kim Sang Sik to the Vietnam national team in preparation for upcoming international friendlies and the 2026 ASEAN Cup.

The goalkeeper, born in Slovakia, recently helped Cong An TP.HCM win the 2025/26 National Cup. He will join the national team camp in Hanoi on June 22.

"Words cannot fully describe this, because it means so much to me. Now the dream has become reality. I believe this is just the beginning of my journey in Vietnam.

I want to give my best to the country, serve the Vietnam national team, and repay the love the fans have shown me.

Van Lam and Filip are both my friends. The domestic goalkeepers are also of very good quality. But I focus on myself and don't compare with anyone. I hope all of us get the best. I will always give my full effort," Patrik Le Giang shared on the official fanpage of Cong An TP.HCM Club.

Phu Tho to host 2027 AFC U20 qualifying tournament

Following a proposal by the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), the People's Committee of Phu Tho province has agreed in principle to co-host the 2027 AFC U20 Championship qualifiers at Viet Tri Stadium, with four teams competing in six matches from August 31 to September 6.

Viet Tri Stadium basically meets the requirements for hosting international matches. The pitch system, lighting, functional rooms, broadcasting facilities, media work areas, security, medical services, and other match conditions have been effectively operated through numerous past international tournaments.

Vietnam's U20 team is placed in Group C alongside Iran, North Korea, and Palestine. This group is considered highly competitive, as Iran is a top seed and one of Asia's traditional youth football powerhouses.

North Korea and Palestine are also competitive opponents, promising a fierce battle for the top positions.

Vietnam's U20 team will regroup after the 2026 National U21 Championship ends, expected around July 29.

Chairman Tran Quoc Tuan congratulates Hanoi Youth on promotion to First Division

VFF Chairman Tran Quoc Tuan, on behalf of the Vietnam Football Federation Executive Committee, sent a letter to Hanoi FC congratulating the Hanoi Youth team for finishing as co-champions and officially earning promotion to compete in the 2026/27 National First Division season.

VFF Chairman Tran Quoc Tuan emphasized that winning promotion is a notable milestone for Hanoi Youth, reflecting the effectiveness of the club's strategy in building and developing its reserve force. Throughout the season, the team demonstrated a determined fighting spirit, professional progress, and stable competitiveness to achieve a well-deserved result.

Entering the 2026/27 season, the VFF believes that Hanoi Youth will build on the foundations already established, quickly adapt to the professional environment of the National First Division, and continue to assert the club's professional ability and identity within the national professional football system.