Vietnam National Team Finalizes Player List for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers vs Indonesia: Coach Shin’s Response to Duy Manh’s Comments

Vietnam’s national football team has recently announced their final lineup of 28 players set to compete in the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Asia against Indonesia. Notably absent from the roster are familiar faces such as Nguyen Cong Phuong and Do Duy Manh, as selected by coach Philippe Troussier.

Coach Shin Tae-yong sparked conversations when discussing the Indonesian national team, particularly focusing on the presence of many Dutch-origin players within their ranks. Do Duy Manh added fuel to the fire with his statement questioning whether Vietnam would be facing Indonesia or the Netherlands, insinuating Shin Tae-yong’s squad featured a majority of naturalized players from the land of Tulips.

Responding to the controversy, Coach Shin Tae-yong dismissed Duy Manh’s assertions, clarifying that there were no Dutch players in the Indonesian national team. He emphasized that naturalized players with Indonesian citizenship could represent the country, but players from the Dutch national team would not have that opportunity.

In a separate statement, Coach Shin Tae-yong addressed the topic of player naturalization, acknowledging that Vietnam, too, has naturalized players within their ranks. He expressed positivity towards this development, considering it a beneficial evolution within the sport.

With tensions rising ahead of the World Cup qualifiers, the comments made by both parties have added an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming matches. As the teams prepare to face off on the field, the focus will not only be on the players’ skill and tactics but also on the narratives surrounding the composition of each squad.

As the football world eagerly anticipates the showdown between Vietnam and Indonesia, the controversies and discussions surrounding player eligibility and national allegiances only serve to heighten the stakes. With both sides vying for a coveted spot in the World Cup, the upcoming matches are sure to be filled with excitement and anticipation for fans and players alike.

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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.

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