# Vietnam preparation for Asian Games 2026

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/vietnam-preparation-for-asian-games-2026
> Updated: 2026-09-11T09:04:49.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 10.

Vietnam is intensifying its preparations for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan across multiple sports. Three leading swimmers – Nguyen Huy Hoang, Tran Hung Nguyen and Pham Thanh Bao – travelled to China on 25 July for a training camp that will run until mid-September, focusing on fitness and race tactics.

Football preparations have expanded to include both men’s and women’s national teams. The Vietnam U23 men’s team is preparing for a competitive Group C draw alongside Uzbekistan, Philippines, and Kuwait. Due to head coach Kim Sang-sik’s commitment to the senior national team for the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, Dinh Hong Vinh is serving as acting head coach. The U23 roster has undergone recent adjustments, including the replacement of Nguyen Cong Phuong with Hoang Quang Dung and the summoning of goalkeeper Nguyen Bao Ngoc.

As of 9 September 2026, the Vietnam Sports Delegation officially departed following a send-off ceremony in Hanoi. The delegation includes 498 members and 348 athletes competing in 33 sports, aiming to secure 4 to 6 gold medals and reach the top 20 in overall rankings.

In women’s football, the national team, led by coach Hoang Van Phuc, arrived at Nagoya Airport on 11 September following a training period in Suzhou, China. The squad is stationed at the Kakegawa Grand Hotel in Shizuoka Prefecture. Vietnam is placed in Group A and is scheduled to face Chinese Taipei on 14 September, host nation Japan on 17 September, and Thailand on 21 September. Recent preparations included a 1-0 victory against Jiangsu Women's Club and a 0-3 loss to the China women's national team.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-11: Vietnam U23 squad undergoes changes ahead of Asian Games 2026

Vietnam's U23 football team has adjusted its roster for the 2026 Asian Games, with Hoang Quang Dung and Nguyen Bao Ngoc joining the squad following injuries and club commitments.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-u23-squad-undergoes-changes-ahead-of-asian-games-2026

### 2026-09-09: Japan prepares for ASIAD 2026 as Vietnam women's football team arrives

The Vietnam women's football team has arrived in Japan for ASIAD 2026, while Japanese authorities prepare to deploy 10,000 police officers to secure the multi-sport event.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-womens-football-team-scheduled-for-asiad-2026-group-e

### 2026-09-09: Vietnam sports delegation prepares for ASIAD 20 in Japan

Vietnam's sports delegation has prepared for ASIAD 20 in Japan, targeting 4-6 gold medals. U23 Vietnam football faces injury setbacks, while Group C rivals include a strong Uzbekistan squad.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-u23-announces-squad-for-asiad-20-in-japan

### 2026-09-06: U23 Vietnam prepares for ASIAD 2026 amid coaching changes

U23 Vietnam prepares for ASIAD 2026 under acting coach Đinh Hồng Vinh, facing a strong U23 Uzbekistan side featuring Belgian-based star Muhammadali Urinboev in Group C.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/u23-vietnam-prepares-for-asiad-2026-amid-coaching-changes

### 2026-09-03: Vietnam women's football team begins Asiad 2026 training in China

The Vietnam women's national football team is training in Suzhou, China, with friendly matches against Jiangsu Nanjing and China scheduled before competing in Asiad 2026 in Japan.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-womens-football-team-begins-asiad-2026-training-in-china

### 2026-09-02: Vietnam and Thailand U23 football rivalry heats up for ASIAD 2026

Vietnam and Thailand's U23 football teams prepare for a fierce rivalry at the ASIAD 2026 in Japan, following recent competitive matches in Southeast Asia.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-and-thailand-u23-football-rivalry-heats-up-for-asiad-2026

### 2026-08-31: Vietnam Football Federation officials meet women's national team

VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan met with the Vietnam women's national football team to support their preparations for ASIAD 2026, including an upcoming training camp and friendly matches in China.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-football-federation-officials-meet-womens-national-team

### 2026-08-10: Vietnam women's football team begins ASIAD 2026 preparations

The Vietnam women's national football team has begun training in Hanoi for ASIAD 2026, featuring a new roster focused on young talent and omitting veteran striker Huỳnh Như.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-womens-football-team-begins-asiad-2026-preparations

### 2026-08-06: Vietnam U23 football team prepares for ASIAD 2026 in Japan

Vietnam's U23 football squad of 29 players began a July 29 camp to prepare for ASIAD 2026 in Japan, using the tournament as a test for future World Cup 2030 prospects.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-u23-football-team-prepares-for-asiad-2026-in-japan

### 2026-07-26: Vietnam readies swimmers and U‑23 football squad for ASIAD 20

Vietnam's top swimmers train in China and the U‑23 football team gathers in Hanoi as both prepare for the Asian Games in Japan later this year.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-readies-swimmers-and-u23-football-squad-for-asiad-20

---
Cite as: Vietnam preparation for Asian Games 2026. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/vietnam-preparation-for-asian-games-2026