"I base my final decision on the players' form and fitness. The shortlist for the Vietnam team is selected based on their recent form, not their reputation," coach Philippe Troussier said at a press conference this afternoon (October 7).

The French coach announced the list of 28 players who will go to China and South Korea to play 3 friendly matches in October. Doan Van Hau and Ho Tan Tai will not participate due to injury.

Previously, Coach Troussier attracted attention when he did not include the names of some stars such as Nguyen Van Quyet, Nguyen Cong Phuong, Vu Van Thanh... in the initial list.

"One of the most important criteria when I choose players is their form. Players who are not selected does not mean they will be absent in the next rounds. In other teams, coaches are not obliged to choose famous players who have contributed many achievements in the past," coach Troussier emphasized.

Tonight, the Vietnamese team will travel to China to play the first two international friendly matches of the October series. Coach Troussier and his team will face the Chinese team on October 10 and Uzbekistan on October 13. After that, the Vietnamese team will travel to South Korea to play a friendly match with the host team on October 17.

Coach Troussier said he would prioritize using the group of players who gathered early in the match against China. Players from Hanoi FC, Hai Phong Club, Hanoi Police Club and Thanh Hoa have just gathered, while others who gathered earlier have more time to grasp the tactical requirements.

"We don't expect the match to be easy. I set a goal for the players to prepare best for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The upcoming match is also an opportunity that I give to the players," said coach Troussier.

List of Vietnam team

Goalkeepers: Dang Van Lam, Nguyen Dinh Trieu, Nguyen Van Viet

Defenders: Ho Van Cuong, Que Ngoc Hai, Do Duy Manh, Nguyen Thanh Binh, Phan Tuan Tai, Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Vo Minh Trong, Giap Tuan Duong

Midfielders: Do Hung Dung, Nguyen Hoang Duc, Khuat Van Khang, Truong Tien Anh, Pham Van Luan, Nguyen Tuan Anh, Nguyen Thai Son, Hoang Van Toan, Nguyen Quang Hai, Trieu Viet Hung, Nguyen Duc Chien

Forwards: Nguyen Tien Linh, Bui Vi Hao, Pham Tuan Hai, Nguyen Van Tung, Nguyen Van Toan, Nguyen Dinh Bac

Minh Anh