U23 Vietnam made a sudden substitution and departed for a training tour in the UAE.

Before the entire team departed, acting head coach Đinh Hồng Vinh said: "U23 Vietnam is continuing on the planned path toward SEA Games 33 and the 2026 AFC U23 Championship. The team will have different training phases to test and refine the squad.

During this October training camp, head coach Kim Sang-sik has given very specific instructions regarding tactics. The team needs to emphasize passing skills, maintain proper team spacing, and create space behind the defensive line."

While training in the UAE, U23 Vietnam will participate in two international friendly matches against U23 Qatar, scheduled for October 9 and October 13.

Coach Đinh Hồng Vinh views this as a valuable chance for the team to be challenged and assessed:

"Facing high-level opponents such as U23 Qatar is very beneficial. These two games will allow the coaching staff to better evaluate the team’s potential, adaptability, and identify more quality players to report to head coach Kim Sang-sik, thereby preparing well for future training camps."

Meanwhile, midfielder Nguyễn Văn Trường shared: "Recently, U23 Vietnam has been supported by the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) to attend many tournaments and quality international training trips. The entire team is preparing at their best for two important upcoming goals: SEA Games 33 and the 2026 AFC U23 Championship. We will strive hard to live up to the fans’ expectations."

The training trip to the UAE is a key step in the comprehensive preparation plan designed by VFF for U23 Vietnam, aimed at helping the young team gain international experience, enhance their abilities, and aim for new achievements.

This is also part of the football development cooperation program between the Vietnam Football Federation and the Qatar Football Association, signed from 2023 until now.