According to Lao Dong's source, Quang Hai has expressed his desire not to participate in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. Previously, the midfielder born in 1997 was still named in the list of 23 players summoned by coach Kim Sang-sik to prepare for the tournament.
Quang Hai's withdrawal took place right at the time the Vietnamese national team started gathering. This is a notable change because the midfielder of Hanoi Police Club is holding the role of captain and is one of the most experienced players in the national team.
Quang Hai debuted for the Vietnamese national team in 2017 and has played an important role in the squad for many years. He once won the ASEAN Cup 2018, 2024 and 2026 with the Vietnamese national team.
After Quang Hai withdrew, coach Kim Sang-sik called up Vo Hoang Minh Khoa to add. The midfielder born in 2001 is expected to add more options for the Vietnamese national team's midfield before the tournament.
Minh Khoa grew up from Binh Duong football and has played for Vietnamese youth teams. This player is specialized in playing in the central midfielder position, capable of contesting and supporting defense.
The additional summons opens up an opportunity for Minh Khoa to compete for a position in the Vietnamese national team squad at the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. Coach Kim Sang-sik will have to rebalance the midfield personnel after Quang Hai's absence.
Besides Minh Khoa, the Vietnamese team also has options such as Hoang Duc, Nguyen Hai Long, Le Pham Thanh Long,... for the midfield area.
On Quang Hai's side, withdrawing from FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 also raises the possibility that he will leave the Vietnamese national team. However, up to now, the official decision on the future of this midfielder at the national team level has not been announced.
According to the schedule, the Vietnamese national team is in Group B of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 with the Philippines, Thailand and Pakistan. Coach Kim Sang-sik's team will meet the Philippines on September 26, Thailand on September 29 and Pakistan on October 2.
The personnel change with Minh Khoa replacing Quang Hai will be one of the issues to be noted when the Vietnamese team enters the preparation process for the tournament.
