Vietnam football team grapples with injuries before ASEAN Cup 2026

Vietnam's national football team is completing its first week of preparations for the ASEAN Cup 2026 amid a spate of injuries. Central defender Đỗ Duy Mạnh and naturalised midfielder Khoa Ngô have missed training since June 23 due to ongoing injuries, and the coach warned they may have to leave the squad if they do not recover before the July 2 training camp in South Korea. Other players, including defender Lê Ngọc Bảo and midfielder Khuất Văn Khang, are also receiving medical attention, while goalkeeper Patrik Lê Giang and defender Nguyễn Thành Chung have returned to full training.

Rising talent Nguyễn Tài Lộc, newly naturalised and called up for the first time, expressed enthusiasm about joining the squad and highlighted the support from fellow naturalised players Nguyễn Xuân Son and Đỗ Hoàng Hên. He praised the team’s cohesion and professionalism as they aim for strong performance at the upcoming tournament.