“Coach Philippe Troussier Announces Final Roster for Vietnam’s Matches Against Indonesia”

On March 18, coach Philippe Troussier revealed the roster of 28 players gearing up for two crucial matches against Indonesia in Group F of the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers. Unfortunately, five players bid farewell to the squad, notably Nguyen Cong Phuong, Nguyen Hai Long, Do Duy Manh, Truong Tien Anh, and Giap Tuan Duong. Among them, Cong Phuong and Duy Manh faced the most unfortunate circumstances, with both unfit to compete in the upcoming clashes at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on March 21 and the return leg at My Dinh on March 26.

Cong Phuong sustained an injury on March 2 while playing for Yokohama FC’s B team, as reported by the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF). On the other hand, Duy Manh suffered a front thigh strain after a rigorous run of matches with Hanoi Club in the national professional league. Initially, Troussier included Duy Manh in the Indonesia-bound squad, but a private meeting on March 18 led the player to request time off to recuperate and allow other teammates a chance to shine in his absence.

Preparations for the matches are in full swing, with the entire team set to depart for Indonesia on March 19. Troussier and his players will conduct two training sessions to fine-tune their game plan before facing the hosts on March 21. Following the initial clash, the Vietnamese team will regroup and begin training for the return fixture scheduled for March 26 at My Dinh National Stadium.

The squad displayed determination and focus as they gear up for these crucial encounters. Troussier’s strategic decisions and the players’ commitment will play a pivotal role in Vietnam’s quest for success in the intense qualifying campaign. Stay tuned for more updates as the team aims to make their mark on the road to the 2026 World Cup.