Vietnam Futsal Squad Prepares for AIMAG with Young Players

The Vietnam national futsal team has convened a 20-player squad featuring a significant influx of young talent as preparation begins for the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) 2026. Head coach Diego Giustozzi has integrated several young prospects into the lineup, with about 50 percent of the current roster being young players. This selection shift supports a long-term developmental blueprint aimed at securing qualification for the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2028.

The squad selection addresses key absences resulting from injuries sustained during domestic competition. Captain Nguyen Manh Dung and Dinh Cong Vien both miss the current training camp due to injuries, prompting the coaching staff to call up alternatives such as Trieu Xuan Linh.

Roster Strategy And Domestic Evaluations

The current 20-player roster was finalized following evaluations conducted during the national futsal championship and the National Cup. Coach Giustozzi emphasized that the selection prioritizes current domestic form and offers emerging athletes a direct pathway to prove their capabilities at the national level. The youthful contingent includes Nguyen Quoc Giau, Doan Minh Quang, Huynh Van Hoai, Nguyen Trong Kien, Nguyen Hoang Quan, Bui Duc Quyen, Tran Le Bo, and Nguyen Thac Hieu. Training sessions are currently underway at the Chanh Hung Ward Futsal Club Gymnasium in Ho Chi Minh City.

Despite missing experienced veterans like Nguyen Manh Dung, the technical staff views the forced personnel adjustments as a constructive opportunity to expand depth. Giustozzi noted that introducing young players to high-pressure environments builds psychological resilience and prepares the squad for unforeseen personnel shortages during official tournaments.

International Friendlies In Kyrgyzstan And Russia

To accelerate the development of the younger selections, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) arranged an intensive international friendly schedule for November. The team departs for Kyrgyzstan on November 1 to play two matches against the host nation on November 3 and November 5. Following those fixtures, the squad travels to Russia on November 6 to contest two additional friendlies against the Russian futsal team on November 8 and November 10, before returning to Vietnam on November 11.

Diego Giustozzi emphasized that he does not place too much importance on the score during the four friendly matches, noting that his primary interest lies in what the players learn and how they progress in each match.

Giustozzi stated that Kyrgyzstan represents an opponent that has made notable progress in Asia, while Russia possesses a class that has been affirmed on the international stage. The coaching staff intends to use these four matches to evaluate tactical adaptability rather than focus strictly on the final scores.

AIMAG 2026 And The Road To The 2028 World Cup

Following the November friendlies, players will return to their respective local clubs to compete in the National Sports Games scheduled in Ho Chi Minh City from November 20 to November 29, before reassembling to finalize preparations for AIMAG 2026, which is scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia from December 11 to December 21, 2026, featuring 12 competing Asian teams.

Looking beyond the regional games, Giustozzi and VFF Tran Anh Tu established a strategic plan targeting qualification for the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2028. Discussions held since late 2025 established a target of playing 25 to 27 competitive matches annually, heavily anchored by international fixtures, to ensure the national team maintains adequate competitive depth for future global tournaments.