Head coach Kim Sang-sik on November 30 announced the final 23-player squad of Vietnam’s U22 men’s football team for the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand, according to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF).

Illustrative photo.

The selection followed a comprehensive assessment of each player’s form, fitness, and tactical suitability across multiple training camps throughout 2025.

In the final cut, five players left the squad - defenders Le Van Ha and Dinh Quang Kiet, midfielders Tran Thanh Trung and Nguyen Duc Viet, and forward Bui Vi Hao.

All had trained hard, but the coaching staff had to make optimal choices to ensure team balance and meet tactical requirements for the regional tournament.

Ahead of the announcement, Kim handed the captain’s armband to midfielder Khuat Van Khang, born in 2003, who brings valuable international experience from major tournaments including the AFC Asian Cup 2023, AFC U23 Asian Cup 2024, and the ASEAN Cup 2024.

Van Khang was also a key figure in Vietnam’s title-winning campaign at the 2025 AFF U23 Championship and in securing qualification for the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup. Forward Nguyen Dinh Bac was named vice-captain.

At SEA Games 33, Vietnam are placed in Group B alongside Malaysia and Laos. Under the adjusted schedule, the team will open their campaign against Laos on December 3 before meeting Malaysia on December 11. Both matches will be played at Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium.

The squad will depart from Ho Chi Minh City for Bangkok on December 1. With a carefully selected lineup, a youthful but internationally seasoned core, and nearly two years of preparation from 2024 to 2025, Vietnam’s U22 side aim to deliver strong performances and step-by-step pursue their highest ambitions at the Games.

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