HOT: Vietnam National Team to train abroad ahead of AFF Cup 2026

VFF has outlined plans for early assembly and overseas training for Vietnam National Team in preparation for AFF Cup 2026.

One notable agenda item at the 12th meeting of the VFF Executive Committee (term 2022–2026) was the operational plan for Vietnam's national teams from April to July 2026. Here, Vice Chairman Tran Anh Tu presented a detailed report on the preparation and competition roadmap for the national teams, emphasizing key tasks for the second quarter of 2026.

For the Vietnam National Team, the training plan to prepare for AFF Cup 2026 is scheduled for the latter half of June. Coach Kim Sang Sik is expected to call up the team approximately five weeks before the tournament to allow sufficient time for tactical refinement and squad stabilization. Additionally, overseas training options are being considered to ensure the team's optimal preparation ahead of the regional competition.

In AFF Cup 2026, Vietnam National Team is placed in Group A alongside Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, and the winner of the playoff between Brunei and Timor-Leste. Group B consists of Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Myanmar, and Laos. The group stage runs from July 24 to August 8, followed by semifinals and finals under a home-and-away format from August 15 to August 26. Notably, this year's tournament is scheduled for August instead of late year, aligning with FIFA calendars and enabling teams to field their strongest squads.

According to the plan, Vietnam men's futsal team will participate in the Southeast Asian Championship held in Thailand from April 6 to 12. Concurrently, Vietnam U20 women's team will compete in the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup (April 1–18) also in Thailand. Subsequently, the U17 women's team will feature in the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup from May 1 to 17 in China.

At the youth men's level, Vietnam U17 will play in the Southeast Asian U17 Championship in Indonesia from April 13 to 24, before entering the AFC U17 Asian Cup (May 3–22) hosted in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Vietnam U19 men's team will also participate in the Southeast Asian U19 Championship from June 1 to 14 in Indonesia, thereby accumulating international match experience.

For women's football, VFF has determined to continue investing with a focused and sustainable approach. The women's national team is expected to undergo squad rejuvenation, combined with a transition process aimed at long-term goals such as qualification for the Asian Cup 2030 and SEA Games 34. This is considered a crucial preparatory step for the next generation of the "Golden Star Female Warriors."

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