The Vietnam national team returned home, and coach Kim Sang Sik bid farewell to Ngoc Bao

The coach has made the decision to return defender Le Ngoc Bao to his club Ninh Binh for further injury recovery, as the national team concluded its training session in Korea and landed in Hanoi at noon on July 14.

According to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), the national team has returned to Hanoi, concluding a nearly two-week training camp in Incheon, South Korea, which was a key part of their preparation for the ASEAN Championship 2026.

In Incheon, the Vietnam team trained in a modern facility and played three friendly matches against progressively stronger opponents: Siheung FC (K.League 3), Yongin FC (K.League 2), and Gangwon FC (K.League 1).

Through these matches, the coaching staff was able to comprehensively evaluate the players' performance, test various personnel options, and gradually shape the core squad for the ASEAN Championship 2026.

Notably, in the final friendly match against Gangwon FC, the strongest opponent during the training camp, the Vietnam team won 2-1. Throughout the camp, coach Kim Sang Sik gave playing time to most players to ensure healthy competition and select the most suitable candidates for the upcoming tournament.

Regarding the squad, coach Kim Sang Sik and the coaching staff decided to send left-sided center-back Le Ngoc Bao back to Ninh Binh Club for continued injury treatment, as he had not yet achieved optimal physical condition to participate in the ASEAN Championship 2026.

Before parting, coach Kim Sang Sik personally encouraged Le Ngoc Bao to persevere with treatment, regain his form soon, and expressed hope to meet the defender again in the next national team gathering.

After returning home, the Vietnam team will continue to finalize the last preparations before moving to Thai Nguyen on July 17 to play an international friendly against Myanmar on July 18.

This is considered an important dress rehearsal, helping the coaching staff complete final evaluations of the squad and tactical plans before finalizing the roster for the ASEAN Championship 2026.

According to the plan, on the morning of July 20, the Vietnam team will depart for Thailand to begin their journey to defend the ASEAN Championship 2026 title. Coach Kim Sang Sik and his players will play their opening match against Timor-Leste on July 24 at Chonburi Stadium, aiming for a favorable start in their campaign to retain the regional trophy.