U23 Vietnam loses key player ahead of Asiad 2026: Mounting challenges

U23 Vietnam enters the Asiad 2026 with a heavy blow as midfielder Nguyen Cong Phuong (20) is officially ruled out due to a muscle injury and thigh edema. Cong Phuong is among the 14 most experienced players in the squad, so his absence is a major loss both professionally and morally. To replace him, coach Dinh Hong Vinh urgently called up Hoang Quang Dung from Hue Club – a player born in 2026 with limited international experience. Beyond losing a key player, the team faces a goalkeeper crisis. Hanoi Club has not agreed to release goalkeeper Pham Dinh Hai for the training camp, leaving the team with only two goalkeepers if negotiations fail. VFF Vice President Tran Anh Tu stated that replacing a goalkeeper is not simple because injury confirmation from the organizing committee is required. Preparation time is extremely short: the team assembles on September 12, departs on September 13, and plays the opening match against U23 Kuwait on September 15. Defender Dang Tuan Phong will even have to join the squad on match day in Japan. The domestic league schedule is blamed for the lack of time for fitness and tactical drills. With recent achievements: 2026 AFF U23 champion, 33rd SEA Games gold, third place at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship, expectations are high. But with a series of difficulties before the tournament, U23 Vietnam faces a major preparation challenge. Experts believe the team will have to play defensively and rely on counterattacks and set pieces, as there is no time to install complex tactics. All eyes are on coach Dinh Hong Vinh – can he turn the situation around in just four days?