Vietnam's national football team has begun preparations for the upcoming FIFA Days this March 2025 amid several roster changes due to injuries and personal circumstances. Coach Kim Sang-sik has announced his updated squad list, which sees the introduction of new talents to fill the gaps left by injured players.
On March 8, goalkeeper Nguyễn Filip requested to withdraw from the national team's training camp due to his family member's illness. The coach, Kim Sang-sik, quickly selected young keeper Trần Trung Kiên from HAGL as Filip's replacement for the March 2025 camp. The adjustments did not stop there, as Bùi Hoàng Việt Anh also withdrew, dealing another blow to the squad.
Thủ thành Đình Triệu has not achieved optimal physical condition following earlier challenges, prompting Kim Sang-sik to bring on Trịnh Xuân Hoàng to balance the squad. Notably, several players who suffered injuries during the AFF Cup 2024, including Nguyễn Xuân Son, Nguyễn Văn Toàn, and Hồ Tấn Tài, will also miss this training period.
The changes to the team were made public with the announcement of the updated squad list on March 17, 2025. The list highlights another opportunity for fresh faces to showcase their talents on the national stage.
The newly updated squad includes Trần Trung Kiên, Nguyễn Đình Triệu, Nguyễn Văn Việt, and Trịnh Xuân Hoàng as the goalkeeper lineup. The defense is composed of Vũ Văn Thanh, Bùi Tiến Dũng, Phạm Lý Đức, Đỗ Duy Mạnh, and others, covering various positions to bolster the team's stability. Meanwhile, formidable midfielders like Nguyễn Hoàng Đức and Nguyễn Quang Hải are set to lead the team alongside several promising attackers.
Head coach Kim Sang-sik, born on December 17, 1976, is recognized for his previous success as one of the top defenders in the K-League, boasting five championship titles with teams like Seongnam FC and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. His experience extends to his stint as a national team player for South Korea from 2000 to 2012.
After retiring from professional play in 2013, Kim Sang-sik transitioned to coaching, starting off at Jeonbuk and earning his position as head coach during the 2021 season. His early successes quickly established him as a promising coach; nonetheless, the 2023 season was less than fruitful, leading him to resign after his team suffered six losses out of the first ten games.
The challenges faced post-resignation didn't deter him, as he later expressed interest and successfully applied for the head coach position for the Vietnamese national team. His prior experience with Vietnamese football came through exposure during the Asian Champions League 2022 when Jeonbuk faced off against HAGL.
On another front, the U22 team is also gearing up for international play and will participate in the U22 CFA Team China 2025 tournament, hosted by China. U22 Vietnam will face significant competition, including matches against South Korea on March 20, Uzbekistan on March 23, and the host nation, China, on March 25.
During this tournament, Đinh Hồng Vinh has been appointed as the interim coach, stepping in due to the overlap of FIFA Days with the U22 fixtures. Vinh’s selection stemmed from Kim Sang-sik's recommendation as he was previously the assistant coach during the short training camp held in August 2024.
The schedule for the U22 tournament presents both challenges and opportunities, as the young players are expected to gain valuable experience on the international stage, which can contribute significantly to the overall development of Vietnamese football.
This football season has generated considerable anticipation as fans are eager to witness how both the national and U22 teams will adapt to their recent roster changes. These adjustments come at a strategic time when player performance and team morale are pivotal, especially with the upcoming international competitions.
While injuries and personal circumstances have posed significant challenges, the call-up of young players could provide the spark the teams need to succeed both domestically and internationally. Football enthusiasts across Vietnam are hopeful for the future and excited to see the talents shine as they represent their nation on the global stage.