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.
Việt Nam will play Kuwait in the first Group C match on September 15, but the team will be missing Bắc, the best ASEAN scorer, as he is preparing for the FIFA ASEAN Cup later this month.
Vietnamese champions Hà Nội Police FC will face their biggest challenge since the beginning of the season against Japan''s Gamba Osaka in the opening match of the AFC Champions League Elite tournament on September 15.
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.
With preparations following a planned schedule and the squad now taking shape, Việt Nam will head to the ASIAD 20 determined to perform to the best of their ability.
Several U23 Việt Nam players made strong impressions in the opening matches of the 2026-27 V.League 1, providing a timely boost as the squad prepares for the 2026 Asian Games (ASIAN) in Japan.
The veteran has entered his 21st consecutive V.League 1 season, a rare achievement for a Vietnamese footballer. He reached the milestone on September 5 when Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh faced Hà Nội Police, with Hoàng playing as right back.
Việt Nam will send 15 shooters to compete in 18 of the 28 medal events. Four disciplines have been identified as the main focus: the 10m air pistol, women’s 25m sport pistol, men’s 25m rapid fire pistol and air rifle.
HCM City are placed in Group B with North Korea''s 4.25 SC, who are in their debut season, alongside Hwacheon KSPO WFC of South Korea, and East Bengal FC of India their challengers.
Mạnh previously underwent surgery for a torn knee ligament in Singapore in 2020. He returned to football and went on to become a key player for the national team.
Strong squad investment, a host of new domestic and foreign signings and a higher foreign player quota are expected to make the title race more competitive.