Việt Nam to seek best World Cup campaign line-up from friendly

Football

Vietnamese players train for their friendly match against Palestine which will be held on September 11 in Nam Định Province. Photos of VFF

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam's best XI for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers will be determined through a international friendlies including the match between Việt Nam and Palestine during the FIFA Days on September 11.

Coach Philippe Troussier revealed his plans to reporters at the pre-match conference on September 10 in Nam Định Province.

He said under his reign, players of the national senior team and the U23 squad shared the same vision, playing style and organisation. They would have to work hard to gain national pride.

The Frenchman confirmed that depending on different tournaments, each team would have their own goal. Currently, the national team would try to find the best line-up for the first two matches of the 2026 World Cup qualification in November.

Coach Philippe Troussier of Việt Nam at the pre-match conference.

He said Việt Nam would do the best so that they stand out at the Southeast Asian regional level.

Troussier said after months working with about 80 players in all teams he found that young Vietnamese players still had many shortcomings in professional quality such as passing, receiving and controlling the ball. His coaching boards would take charge of improving their ability but he also needed strong support from clubs' trainers.

He said in the upcoming match, his players will show improvements in all areas. However, this match and the later ones were tests so he could pick the best players for the first qualifying game in November.

Coach Makram Dabboub of Palestine said he appreciated Việt Nam's strong development in the past four years.

The Palestinian coaches watched Việt Nam wins versus Syria and Hong Kong and found that although the head coach seat was changed, Việt Nam still played well. It was an united and strong team.

Coach Makram Dabboub of Palestine at the pre-match conference.

He said his team prepared well for the match where he would give opportunities for the young players as they could sharpen their skills, experience international football environment, all were for the World Cup.

Việt Nam, world No 95, were a good squad so he would not be surprised if Palestine, one place lower in the world ranking, suffered a defeat.

While Troussier would have his best-physical players, Daboub would play without key forwards Abu Warda and Oday Dabbagh.

Warda scored in the match Palestine and Oman but suffered an injury and were not recovered in time for the match. Dabbagh was recovering from his pain so his chance to play was not clear, Daboub said.

In their three latest matches, Palestine lost 2-0 to China and 2-1 Oman and tied 0-0 with Indonesia.

The friendly match will be held at the Nam Định's Thiên Trường Stadium at 7.30pm and will be broadcast live on VTV5 and FPT platforms. VNS