On the afternoon of July 14, the Vietnamese team returned to Hanoi, concluding a nearly two-week training trip in Incheon (Korea) to prepare for the ASEAN Cup 2026.
During the training period, coach Kim Sang-sik and his team were trained in modern facilities, and also played 3 friendly matches with increasingly quality opponents including Siheung FC (K.League 3), Yongin FC (K.League 2) and Gangwon FC (K.League 1).
Through these matches, the coaching staff has more basis to assess the players' performance, test personnel as well as complete the framework towards the Southeast Asian Championship.
In the final practice match, the Vietnamese team won 2-1 against Gangwon FC - the most strong opponent in the training trip. Throughout the preparation process, coach Kim Sang-sik created conditions for most players to play, thereby increasing competitiveness and selecting the most suitable faces for ASEAN Cup 2026.
Regarding the force, the coaching staff decided to let defender Le Ngoc Bao return to the club to continue treating his injury because he has not reached the best physical condition.
Before saying goodbye, coach Kim Sang-sik encouraged this defender to persevere in treatment, soon regain his form and expressed hope to continue to accompany the team in the upcoming training camps.
After returning home, the Vietnamese team will continue to complete the final preparation before going to Thai Nguyen on July 17. On July 18, coach Kim Sang-sik and his team will play an international friendly match with Myanmar. This is considered an important general rehearsal for the coaching staff to review forces and complete tactical plans before entering the official tournament.
According to the plan, on the morning of July 20, the Vietnamese national team will depart for Thailand to participate in the ASEAN Cup 2026 with the goal of defending the championship. In the opening match taking place on July 24 at Chonburi Stadium, the Vietnamese national team will meet Timor Leste.
