Previously, in March, the team completed the first gathering with more than 40 players called up in two phases. This is a necessary force review step to help the coaching staff comprehensively assess the personnel source for the 2007-2008 age group, thereby building a foundation for building the squad.
In this gathering, coach Yutaka Ikeuchi and his colleagues continue to implement the professional plan with a list of 41 players. The goal is to complete the optimal squad, ensuring the best preparation for upcoming tournaments.
However, the team is facing many difficulties in terms of force. Many players in the U19 age group are currently under contract with clubs and are playing in national professional leagues as well as the Second Division, making the gathering not possible from the beginning. In addition, some players born in 2008 are also entangled in high school graduation exam schedules coinciding with the time of the regional tournament.
Notably, a series of highly rated faces could not participate in the early stages, including goalkeeper Nguyen Bao Ngoc (Song Lam Nghe An), defender Dinh Quang Kiet, striker Tran Gia Bao (Hoang Anh Gia Lai), defender Nguyen Quoc Khanh (PVF-CAND), along with players Nguyen Van Bach, Hoang Trong Duy Khang (PVF), Le Phat (Ninh Binh), Le Van Hoan (Thanh Hoa), Nguyen Van Khanh (Hong Linh Ha Tinh), Dau Hong Phong, Nguyen Thien Phu (Tran Ha Noi),... These are all factors in the team's personnel plan.
The absence of many key players in the early stages has a certain impact on the process of team building and playing style. However, the coaching staff also sees this as an opportunity for other players to show their ability, create competition and increase the depth of the squad.
According to the plan, U19 Vietnam will maintain training at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center from April 29. The team is expected to have a training and friendly match trip in Japan from May 18 to May 26 to improve professional quality and international exchange.
After the preparation phase, U19 Vietnam will participate in the 2026 U19 Southeast Asian Championship held in Indonesia from June 1st to 15th. 6. The draw for group stages and scheduled matches will be organized by the Association of Southeast Asian Football (AFF) on May 8th.
