Is Vietnam about to have 4 overseas Vietnamese players at ASIAD 2026?

The plan to send the U21 team to ASIAD 2026 is opening up many notable changes for Vietnamese football. Remarkably, this squad is expected to include a group of overseas Vietnamese players of eligible age for the continental competition journey.

According to the personnel plan currently under review by the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) for ASIAD 2026, the Vietnamese men's football team is likely to use the U21 squad instead of the usual U23 team with three overage players as per regulations. This decision is not only a long-term strategic move but also creates opportunities for many promising young talents, notably including 4 overseas Vietnamese players who meet the age criteria.

Specifically, the four most mentioned overseas Vietnamese players in the potential U21 Vietnam squad are Lee Williams (born in 2007), Brandon Ly, Vadim Nguyễn, and Trần Thành Trung (all born in 2005). These players fall within the appropriate age range for the plan to send the U21 team to ASIAD 2026, which will take place in Aichi and Nagoya (Japan) from September 19 to October 4, 2026.

Among them, Vadim Nguyễn and Trần Thành Trung have completed their Vietnamese citizenship procedures. Both were called up by coach Kim Sang Sik to the Vietnam U22 team during preparations for SEA Games 33. Although they did not make the final 23-player squad for the event, their selection indicates they are under long-term observation by the coaching staff.

Meanwhile, Lee Williams and Brandon Ly do not yet hold Vietnamese citizenship but are regarded as highly promising young players. If they complete their naturalization process soon, these two, along with Vadim Nguyễn and Trần Thành Trung, will form a highly anticipated group of overseas Vietnamese players for Vietnam’s football at ASIAD 2026.

Strategically, the VFF Executive Committee has agreed on the plan to send the U21 team to ASIAD 2026, meaning players born on or after January 1, 2005. This is considered an important preparation step for SEA Games 34 in Malaysia in 2027, as well as a long-term rehearsal aiming toward the 2028 AFC U23 Championship, which also serves as the Olympic qualifying tournament.

Nevertheless, the early emergence of the group of overseas Vietnamese players eligible for ASIAD 2026 brings great hope to fans. With their physique and solid training background, Lee Williams (1.90m), Brandon Ly (1.77m), Vadim Nguyễn (1.75m), and Trần Thành Trung (1.75m) are expected to add depth and competitiveness to the Vietnam U21 team on the path to major national football goals.