The match is part of the Maybank Challenge Cup which aims to raise funds for Al-Sultan Abdullah (YASA), a prestigious charity organisation in Malaysia, and an activity of the former EPL champions' summer tour.
Despite falling short of a World Cup spot, Vietnam’s U17 squad delivered an impressive showing at the 2025 AFC U17 Asian Cup finals, offering encouraging signs for the future of Vietnamese football.
Highlighting the importance of integrating naturalised and overseas Vietnamese players amid a generational shift in the sport, coach Kim Sang-sik said: "I am committed to seeking dual-nationality players. This is not just a global trend but a common practice in Asian football, which will significantly boost our competitiveness on the international stage."
Coach Kim Sang-sik has announced plans to call up three overseas Vietnamese players—now holding Vietnamese citizenship—to strengthen the U22 squad in their quest for gold at the 33rd SEA Games.
The proposed new assistant is Lee Jung-soo, a former defender for the Korean national team, who played from 2008 to 2013. Lee gained recognition during the 2010 World Cup, scoring two crucial goals that helped the RoK advance to the round of 16.
Coach Kim Sang-sik completed his mission after Vietnam secured a slot in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electronic Cup's final, but said it is only the beginning of his side's journey.
Vietnam's defenders are well-prepared for the ASEAN Cup 2024, with the team featuring a squad where most players are 27 years old or older.
Vietnam are gearing up for the ASEAN Cup 2024 with comprehensive preparations.
Coach Kim Sang-sik believes his players can overcome powerful Iraq in the last Group F match of the 2026 World Cup qualification on June 12.