A number of players are absent from the first training session of the Vietnam national team.

Do Duy Manh, Ngo Dang Khoa, Khuat Van Khang, and Nguyen Thanh Chung were missing from the Vietnam national team's initial training session.

On the afternoon of June 23, the Vietnam national team held its first training session of the training camp, preparing for the ASEAN Cup 2026. This is a crucial period for coach Kim Sang Sik and his players to refine the squad, review personnel, and build a tactical foundation before embarking on the journey to defend the regional championship.

Regarding the player roster, Coach Kim Sang Sik called up 28 players, combining experienced veterans, promising young talents, and several naturalized players and Vietnamese-origin footballers who are performing well at their clubs. This is seen as a necessary blend to create squad depth while increasing competition in every position.

Having just completed a dense V.League 2025/26 season, some national team members have not yet reached peak physical condition. Cases such as Do Duy Manh, Ngo Dang Khoa, Khuat Van Khang, and Nguyen Thanh Chung are in the process of recovering their fitness and treating minor injuries, so they could not fully participate in the first training session's drills.

The highlight of the session was also the appearance of two newcomers, Le Giang Patrik and Nguyen Tai Loc. Having played many years in the V.League, both quickly adapted to the national team environment and synced with their teammates. According to the plan, the Vietnam national team will train in Hanoi until July 1, before traveling to South Korea for a training camp from July 2 to 14. There, the team will play three friendly matches to review the squad and finalize their plans for the ASEAN Cup 2026.

One notable aspect of this gathering is the addition of staff to the coaching team. Assistant coach Kim Do-heon has officially joined, bringing further professional experience to the Vietnam national team. Born in 1982, he has 62 caps for the South Korean national team and participated in the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

During his playing career, Kim Do-heon played for several renowned clubs such as Suwon Samsung Bluewings, Seongnam FC, and West Bromwich Albion. He was also named K League Most Valuable Player in 2007. The presence of this former South Korean international is expected to provide the Vietnam national team with important professional support, especially during tactical preparations.