The team are currently training in Cheonan, Republic of Korea, where they are scheduled to play three friendlies to assess their readiness against strong opposition.
Hà Nội’s focus is now on refining technique, improving fitness and sharpening tactical awareness ahead of the National Games, particularly in kumite, where speed, reflexes and decision-making are crucial.
The two-day event is taking place at Vincom Ice Rink in Royal City, Thanh Xuân District, with competitors from HCM City, Khánh Hòa, Quảng Ninh, Thái Nguyên, Hải Phòng and Hà Nội.
The hosts finished top of the group with a perfect nine points from three matches, scoring 28 goals without conceding under Japanese coach Okiyama Masahiko.
For Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh, the trip to face the military team will be a tough challenge, with the hosts showing an effective style based on physical battles and quick transitions.
The event also provided an opportunity to promote traditional Vietnamese martial arts and introduce Vietnamese culture and people to international audiences through sport.
Vietnamese athletes won 20 gold, nine silver and one bronze medal to finish first overall. Malaysia placed second with six gold, 17 silver and three bronze, followed by Singapore with three gold, one silver and six bronze.
Việt Nam''s head coach Hoàng Văn Phúc said the team would focus on recovery before analysing China and preparing a suitable tactical plan for the quarter-final at 1pm on September 25 (Hà Nội time).
Việt Nam are following a wider trend in Southeast Asian football, but the VFF says the ion of such players will continue to depend on the coach and their ability to contribute to the team.
The 2026/27 V.League 1 season has seen a noticeable influx of young players of Vietnamese heritage, many of whom have been trained in football systems in Europe, North America and Australia.