U23 Vietnam finalizes ASIAD 2026 squad: Missing key players, paving the way for a new generation

This afternoon, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) officially announced the list of 23 U23 Vietnam players for the ASIAD 2026 in Japan. Under head coach Dinh Hong Vinh, the squad is built on a flexible 3-4-3 formation, with 3 goalkeepers, 7 defenders, 9 midfielders, and 4 forwards. What draws the most attention is not the selected names, but those absent: a host of key players who created the miracle of the 2026 U23 Asian Championship bronze medal are missing for various reasons, from injuries to national team development strategy. It is worth noting: U23 Vietnam are entering the tournament as a rising force in Southeast Asia and Asia. A few months ago, the national team won the ASEAN Cup, while the current U23 generation managed to win the bronze medal at the 2026 U23 Asian Championship. Fan expectations for this ASIAD are high, but the announced list reveals a hard truth: Vietnam is not bringing its strongest possible squad to Japan. According to VFF, three players including Nguyen Dinh Bac, Tran Trung Kien, and Nguyen Nhat Minh – key figures in the recent ASEAN Cup-winning squad – are 'retained' for the national team and will not attend ASIAD. Meanwhile, four other names, Nguyen Hieu Minh, Nguyen Thai Son, Bui Vi Hao, and Khuan Van Khang, had to withdraw due to ligament injuries, leaving significant gaps in midfield and attack. These are the players who contributed significantly to the historic bronze at the U23 Asian Championship, causing experts to worry about the team's strength at ASIAD. Looking at the 23-man list, it is clear that coach Dinh Hong Vinh is placing trust in young, less internationally experienced faces but with great desire to prove themselves. The absence of key players inadvertently opens big opportunities for players like Nguyen Quoc Viet and Nguyen Thanh Nhan, who are eager to show their value to compete for a spot in the national team in the future. Coach Dinh Hong Vinh said at the press conference: 'We understand fans expect high results, but the more important thing is to give young players the chance to gain experience and learn. This will be a springboard for them at bigger tournaments.' Tactically, selecting up to 9 midfielders indicates the coaching staff's intention to control the midfield. Compared to other teams in the region, U23 Vietnam has the advantage of flexibility and positional rotation. However, the attack has only 4 forwards, while the main strikers are absent, posing a difficult problem in scoring goals. Opponents like Japan, South Korea, and Uzbekistan all have superior squads, and the lack of experienced players will make U23 Vietnam face many challenges. Another bright spot is the diversity from various clubs. The call-up list includes players from many different teams such as Hanoi, SLNA, Cong An TP.HCM, CAND, Hai Phong, Quy Nhon United, Hue, Ninh Binh, and The Cong. This shows that the youth development system nationwide is developing evenly, no longer relying on a single training center. This diversity will add depth and increase internal competition. From a management perspective, retaining three important players for the national team is a strategic decision by VFF. Clearly, ASIAD performance is not prioritized over maintaining strength for the national team in high-stakes qualifiers like World Cup qualifiers or AFF Cup. This is a deliberate sacrifice, as leaders understand that building a sustainable cycle of success at the national team level is more important. However, this inadvertently reduces the appeal of ASIAD – a tournament where fans always look forward to historic exploits. In terms of risks, missing many key players could lead to an early exit in the group stage, causing backlash from fans. But with a young squad, the main goal of this tournament is likely to accumulate experience, test personnel, and create a quality next generation. Coach Dinh Hong Vinh added: 'I do not set heavy performance targets. I want players to play to their ability, show the highest fighting spirit. If they do that, results will come.' A big question arises: Will the absence of key players weaken U23 Vietnam at ASIAD? The answer is yes, but that is a necessary 'sacrifice' to aim for bigger goals. Looking at developed football nations like Japan and South Korea, they always have deep squads thanks to systematic training. Vietnam is gradually building that, and ASIAD 2026 is a test for these efforts. Data analysts suggest that choosing 9 midfielders could be a sign of adapting to modern football, where ball control and tactical rotation are prioritized. However, if the forwards cannot capitalize on chances, the numerical superiority in midfield becomes meaningless. Young players need to quickly integrate and adapt to high international competition intensity. Psychology also plays an important role. Young players given big opportunities often play with excitement and fearlessness. This can surprise stronger opponents. Remember U23 Vietnam's journey in Changchun 2026, when an unheralded squad still reached the final. The current generation has enough qualities to write a similar fairy tale. In terms of media, VFF has prepared well to 'cool down' expectations before the tournament. Publicizing the list with detailed absence reasons aims to avoid negative reactions from the public. Instead of letting fans ask questions, they proactively provided information, showing transparency and professionalism in media work. Finally, regardless of ASIAD results, this is an important step in Vietnam's youth football development plan. Investing in the next generation and giving them continental exposure is essential to enhance the country's football status internationally. Fans may regret not seeing the strongest squad, but trust that new faces will bring fresh energy, and who knows, surprises may come from where few expect. Looking back at history, Vietnamese football often succeeds in tournaments no one expects. Remember the 2026 AFF Cup championship, or the 2026 Asian Cup quarterfinal run. All stemmed from a young, hungry, and fearless team. The current U23 generation has all these qualities. They will enter ASIAD 2026 not just to participate, but to affirm that Vietnamese football is progressing strongly on the path of integration. Now that the list is finalized, all attention will turn to Japan, the host of ASIAD 2026. U23 Vietnam are placed in a group that is not too difficult but full of traps. With thorough preparation for fitness, tactics, and spirit, coach Dinh Hong Vinh and his players can certainly surprise. Let us cheer for our young men, for they are the future of Vietnamese football.