VFF President 'ignites the flame' for Vietnam national team ahead of ASEAN Cup title defense

During the morning of June 23, Tran Quoc Tuan, President of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), had a meeting to motivate the Vietnam team on the first official day of their gathering to prepare for the 2026 ASEAN Cup.

Also present at the meeting were VFF General Secretary Nguyen Van Phu and Head of National Teams Department Doan Anh Tuan. On behalf of VFF leadership, President Tran Quoc Tuan extended his welcome to the entire coaching staff and players, especially three newcomers called up for the first time: Le Giang Patrik, Nguyen Tai Loc, and Ngo Dang Khoa.

The VFF President expressed confidence that the new recruits would quickly integrate and use their abilities to contribute to the team's overall achievements. He also stressed that the immediate key task for coach Kim Sang Sik and his players is to successfully defend the 2026 ASEAN Cup title, especially as regional rivals are making strong investments and continuously enhancing their competitiveness.

In addition to the goals in the Southeast Asian arena, VFF leaders also expect the team to aim for bigger campaigns, including the 2027 Asian Cup Finals in Saudi Arabia and subsequent World Cup qualifiers. Experienced players such as Quang Hai, Hoang Duc, Van Lam, Duy Manh, and Van Hau are expected to continue playing leading roles, supporting young talents and new faces as they integrate into the national team environment.

President Tran Quoc Tuan also reminded the entire team to maintain high concentration and strictly adhere to regulations regarding discipline, daily routines, and training regimens in order to ensure the best possible condition for the upcoming objectives.

On behalf of the entire team, captain Do Duy Manh expressed gratitude for the VFF leadership's attention and motivation, while affirming that the players will give their utmost effort, stay united, and be determined to achieve the goals set by Vietnamese football.

According to the plan, the Vietnam national team will train in Hanoi from June 23 to July 1 before heading to South Korea for a training camp from July 2 to 14. During this period, the team will play three friendly matches against suitable opponents as per the professional requirements of coach Kim Sang Sik.

After returning home, the Vietnam team will have a friendly match against Myanmar on July 18 at Thai Nguyen Stadium before embarking on their journey to defend the 2026 ASEAN Cup title. Coach Kim Sang Sik's side will play their opening match on July 24 away against Timor Leste.