Football

Defender Đỗ Duy Mạnh (left) is delighted to be training for Việt Nam ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign. Photos courtesy of VFF

HÀ NỘI — The national senior and U23 teams have begun training camps in preparation for their upcoming events in the next few weeks.

Coach Philippe Troussier named 33 players for the national team's warm up ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualification matches against Indonesia later this month.

The French tactician has called up veteran Nguyễn Công Phượng who was dropped for recent, previous games.

After watching Phượng play for Yokohama FC in Japan last month, Troussier decided to include the striker in his squad.

Another return is striker Nguyễn Tiến Linh who has recently found his form after a month of low key performances.

Troussier however could not call on key players such as goalkeeper Đặng Văn Lâm, defenders Quế Ngọc Hải and Đoàn Văn Hậu, midfielder Nguyễn Tuấn Anh and striker Phạm Tuấn Hải. All of them are currently injured and need more time to recover.

Defender Đỗ Duy Mạnh was excited to train with teammates against and has set high target for the double-header against Indonesia.

“I am happy to be called up. I have to work hard and show my best to win a place in the national team," Mạnh said.

"I know that Indonesia have imported 11 Dutch players for their World Cup campaign. Actually, Indonesia have been always tough rival to Việt Nam. They prefer a fierce and aggressive playing style.

"Now, they would be much stronger. My teammates and I joked that whether Việt Nam are to play the national team of Indonesia or the Netherlands.

"However, Việt Nam also have quality players. We are not afraid of Indonesia plus their imported players. Worry is not on any player's mind. I believe that with our good preparation and our peak, Việt Nam will have two good games."

Players will train in Hà Nội from March 13 and they will travel to Indonesia on March 19. They will have two days practice before playing against the hosts on March 21 in their 80,000-seat Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.

Việt Nam will entertain Indonesia in the second match on March 26 in the Mỹ Đình Stadium.

Young stars of the national team will join the U23 team to take part in the Asian tournament next month.

On the U23 side, players will train for the FIFA Days from March 13, also in Hà Nội.

Troussier chose a squad of 24 players including goalkeeper Quan Văn Chuẩn; defenders Trần Quang Thịnh, Nguyễn Ngọc Thắng and Lương Duy Cương; midfielders Lê Quốc Nhật Nam, Hoàng Văn Toản and Võ Hoàng Minh Khoa; and striker Nguyễn Quốc Việt.

They will fly to play two friendly matches with Tajikistan on March 20 and 23 ahead of the AFC U23 Asian Cup from April 15 to May 3 in Qatar.

Việt Nam are in Group D against Uzbekistan, Kuwait and Malaysia.

Young players such as midfielder Khuất Văn Khang, strikers Nguyễn Văn Tùng and Nguyễn Đình Bắc may join to strengthen the U23 team after the Indonesian games.

Six years ago, Việt Nam under coach Park Hang-seo grabbed silver at the Asian tournament, setting the team's best achievement in history. — VNS