VFF leader openly states the goal of the Vietnam National Team at the AFF Cup

The VFF's goal is to lead the Vietnam National Team to the 2026 AFF Cup final before thinking about successfully defending the championship.{[:2}

The Vietnam National Team is entering an important preparation phase for the 2026 AFF Cup with the objective of defending their regional championship. Leaders of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) expect coach Kim Sang Sik and his players to at least reach the final match, thereby continuing to assert their leading position in Southeast Asia.{[:4}

At a meeting with journalists and sports reporters on the occasion of the 101st anniversary of Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day on the morning of June 17, VFF Vice President Tran Anh Tu shared the national team's goals. He expressed pride recalling the journey to winning the 2024 AFF Cup in Thailand and placed high hopes on the team for the upcoming tournament.

Mr. Tran Anh Tu emphasized: "Recalling the moment the Vietnam team beat Thailand and won the 2024 AFF Cup on away soil, I still feel emotional even now.

This year, the Vietnam National Team aims to defend the crown and maintain its number one status in Southeast Asia. I hope the team first and foremost that the team earns the right to play in the final. Of course, winning the championship is what everyone wants, but other factors also need to be considered."

Beyond placing expectations on the national team, VFF leaders also turn their attention to the youth levels. Mr. Tu shared: "Last year, the Vietnam U20 team stumbled and missed the chance to participate in the U20 Asian Cup finals. I hope this year, the Vietnam U20 players will perform well at home in the qualifiers to secure a spot in next year's continental finals. For the Vietnam U23 team, we also aim to strive to maintain the best achievements at the regional sports games."

According to the plan, the Vietnam National Team will assemble on June 22 in Hanoi before traveling to South Korea for a training camp from July 2 to July 14. During this training camp, the team will play three international friendlies to assess the squad and perfect their playing style ahead of the region's biggest tournament.

After returning to the country, coach Kim Sang Sik and his players will play a friendly match against Myanmar on July 18 against Myanmar at Thai Nguyen stadium before entering the 2026 AFF Cup. The Vietnam National Team will open their group stage with an away match with an away trip to face Timor Leste on July 24. With thorough preparation and quality personnel, the reigning champions are aiming to continue conquering the heights of Southeast Asian football.