Vietnam’s senior team has invited many young players for the November training camp. This article explains why the large number of U23 players matters for the country’s football future.

Head coach Kim Sang Sik selected 13 U23 players out of a 27‑man squad, which is nearly half the roster. At the same time, senior stars such as Quang Hai, Hoang Duc, Xuan Son and Hoang Hen were not in the list, so the coach had to rely on younger talent.

Ten of the U23 players, including Dinh Bac, Van Khang, Quoc Cuong, Nhat Minh, Ly Duc and Trung Kien, helped Vietnam finish third at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup. The article notes that moving to senior international football needs more pace, physical strength, experience and the ability to handle pressure. It also says that success at U23 level does not guarantee a senior spot; the young players must prove themselves in the upcoming matches to earn future opportunities.

The rise of U23 players gives Vietnam a chance to build a new core for the national team. However, the youngsters must show their ability in senior games if they want to keep a place in the future.