The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has officially revealed the names of the first three players called up to the U23 national team in preparation for the Asian Games 2026 (ASIAD 20). The selected players, all from SLNA Football Club, include goalkeeper Cao Van Binh, defender Le Nguyen Hoang, and midfielder Nguyen Quang Vinh.

The training camp will take place from July 29 to August 6, 2026, where the players will train, compete, and vie for spots on the final roster for ASIAD 20, scheduled to be held in Japan in September.

In a strategic shift, the VFF has decided to field an U21 team for the Asian Games instead of the traditional U23 squad. This decision reflects Vietnam's long-term investment in football, providing young players with valuable experience in a major continental tournament. The U21 squad aims to build a foundation for Vietnam's football goals for the 2027-2028 period, prioritizing development over immediate results.

The list of participating teams for the men's football event at ASIAD 2026 will be confirmed before the draw on July 23. Vietnam is expected to be a strong contender, potentially benefiting from its impressive performance at the U23 Asian Championship 2026.

The men's football tournament at ASIAD 2026 will take place from September 19 to October 4, featuring many top teams from across the continent. The coaching staff is also considering the inclusion of a few over-age players to enhance the team's experience and support the younger athletes in this significant competition.