Surprise addition to Vietnamese team’s focus list for 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Indonesia

The Vietnamese national team is gearing up for two crucial matches against Indonesia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with a surprise inclusion in their focus list. Nguyen Cong Phuong, who has struggled for playing time at Yokohama FC, has been called up by coach Philippe Troussier.

Despite his lack of minutes at Yokohama FC, Troussier sees Phuong as a valuable asset, especially with Pham Tuan Hai sidelined due to injury. Commentator Ngo Quang Tung highlighted Phuong’s ability to create breakthroughs and believes Troussier’s decision to call him up is justified.

To assess Phuong’s readiness, Troussier personally traveled to Japan to watch him play for the reserve team. This hands-on approach indicates Troussier’s confidence in Phuong’s abilities and the importance of these upcoming matches for the Vietnamese team.

The matches against Indonesia are crucial for Vietnam’s World Cup qualification hopes. They will face off against Indonesia at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on March 21 before hosting them at the My Dinh Stadium on March 26.

With Troussier’s faith in Phuong and the team’s determination to secure positive results against Indonesia, Vietnamese football fans will be eagerly anticipating how their team performs in these critical fixtures.

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Denis Hardin

American writer and avid traveler with an insatiable passion for soccer. Hailing from the heartland of the USA, Dennis brings a global perspective to his writings on Asian football. His articles are a fusion of cultural insights and sporting analysis, providing readers with a unique blend of perspectives. Whether he's exploring the bustling football scenes in Tokyo or sharing anecdotes from his time in Mumbai, Dennis's articles are a captivating journey through the diverse world of Asian football.