Defender Doan Van Hau has expressed confidence that the presence of naturalized players will strengthen the Vietnam national football team as they prepare for the ASEAN Cup 2026. Training at the Youth Training Center in Hanoi, Van Hau highlighted the importance of teamwork in integrating the new players into the squad.

Head coach Kim Sang-sik has called up five naturalized players, including Nguyen Xuan Son, Do Hoang Hen, Patrik Le Giang, Nguyen Tai Loc, and Ngo Dang Khoa. However, after a week of training, the squad has been reduced to four players due to Khoa's injury, which requires treatment for a grade three meniscus tear.

Van Hau praised the contributions of the naturalized players, stating, "For me, these players will help the team perform better. The entire squad is ready to support the new members and will strive to achieve our highest goals at the ASEAN Cup." His optimism comes as he prepares to return to international competition after missing several key tournaments due to injuries.

Having previously won the AFF Cup in 2018, which is now known as the ASEAN Cup, Van Hau is eager to make a significant impact in the upcoming tournament. He mentioned that he is in good physical condition and is committed to following the coach's training plans, hoping to avoid injuries this time around. "I am always ready, but I also hope for good luck and no injuries to help Vietnam achieve the best results in the upcoming tournament," he added.

In light of Khoa's departure from the team, center-back Do Duy Manh is also undergoing treatment for an injury. Consequently, the team has elected a new leadership structure, with midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai taking on the captaincy. The vice-captains are Nguyen Hoang Duc and Nguyen Xuan Son.

The Vietnam team will continue training in Hanoi until July 2 before heading to South Korea for a training camp. They will return to Hanoi on July 14 to play a friendly match against Myanmar on July 18 at Thai Nguyen Stadium. Following this match, Coach Kim will finalize the squad for the ASEAN Cup 2026.

The ASEAN Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place from July 24 to August 8, with Vietnam placed in Group A alongside Indonesia, Cambodia, Singapore, and Timor Leste. Vietnam will kick off their title defense against Timor Leste on July 24, away from home.