Vietnam's national football team has announced the exclusion of midfielder Khoa Ngo from their squad as they prepare for the ASEAN Cup 2026. The decision came after Khoa was unable to recover from an injury in time for the upcoming matches.

On June 27, head coach Kim Sang-sik spoke directly with Khoa Ngo regarding his condition. After discussions with the player and the medical team, it was decided that the young player would return to his club for continued treatment and rehabilitation. Medical professionals indicated that if Khoa were to continue training and playing without full recovery, he risked further injury, potentially leading to a severe meniscus tear requiring surgery.

Khoa Ngo, who has been dealing with this injury since his time at his club, underwent an MRI that confirmed a grade 2 meniscus tear. During his recent training sessions with the national team, he was unable to participate in any specialized training and focused solely on recovery and physical therapy.

Born in 2005, Khoa has a mixed heritage with an Australian father and a Vietnamese mother. He joined the Police FC from Perth Glory on loan at the end of the first phase of the V.League 2025/26 season. Despite his young age, he has made an impressive impact, scoring four goals in 14 appearances in his debut season in Vietnam.

On March 18, Khoa officially obtained Vietnamese citizenship, and he is expected to become a key player for the U23 Vietnam team in future major campaigns. Returning to his club will allow him to monitor and treat his injury continuously, aiming for a swift recovery and return to competitive play.

Khoa Ngo was one of three newcomers called up by coach Kim Sang-sik for the national team’s preparations for the ASEAN Cup 2026. Although he did not get the chance to train or play with the team due to his injury, this call-up marks a significant milestone in the young player's career at just 19 years old.