The Vietnamese national team has called up two new players: Khổng Minh Gia Bảo and Việt Cường.

Ahead of the match against Laos, the Vietnamese national team's roster includes two new players: center-back Khổng Minh Gia Bảo (Ho Chi Minh City Police) and striker Nguyễn Trần Việt Cường (Becamex Ho Chi Minh City). In addition, the squad features Lê Văn Đô (Hanoi Police), Trần Bảo Toàn (Ninh Bình), and the notable return of striker Nguyễn Xuân Son after 10 months recovering from injury. The objective is clearly defined: to secure all three points to maintain their advantage in the race to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup Finals.

Two new signings and a personnel message for the match against Laos.

Compared to the most recent training camp, the addition of Khong Minh Gia Bao and Nguyen Tran Viet Cuong shows that coach Kim Sang Sik prioritizes strengthening competition in two vertical lines: center back and striker/winger. A physically strong, tackling defender paired with a striker possessing speed and finishing ability is a crucial component when facing regional rivals.

Khong Minh Gia Bao: a two-footed center-back with excellent physical fitness.

Born in 2000, Gia Bảo rose through the ranks of the People's Police Football Club, having previously played for Phù Đổng Ninh Bình and Quảng Nam before joining the Ho Chi Minh City Police team in August 2025. This season, he has started 9 out of 10 matches for the police team, playing the full 90 minutes in 8 of them. His ability to track opponents, hold off defenders, and use both feet flexibly are outstanding strengths; in the context of regional matches often featuring many direct challenges, this quality provides the defense with more options for handling the ball and transitioning between phases. Gia Bảo has also played for the Vietnam U20 team.

Nguyen Tran Viet Cuong: speed, technique, finishing.

Also born in 2000, Viet Cuong is a product of the former Becamex Binh Duong academy. In the 2024/25 season, he made 32 appearances and scored 26 goals, contributing to the team's 7th-place finish in the V-League. In the 2025/26 season, Viet Cuong continued to shine in the Becamex Ho Chi Minh City jersey and was considered by experts to be a "combination of Anh Duc and Tien Linh" thanks to his versatile attacking abilities. Previously, he played for the Vietnam U16 and U23 teams.

Additional pieces and the return of Xuan Son

Along with two newcomers, the list also includes Le Van Do (CAHN) and Tran Bao Toan (Ninh Binh). Notably, striker Nguyen Xuan Son officially returns after 10 months of injury, adding another attacking option for the Vietnamese national team before the match against Laos.

Tactical perspective: balancing both ends of the field

The call-ups for Gia Bao and Viet Cuong indicate a focus on strengthening physicality and directness. In their own half, a strong, two-footed center-back helps the team limit second balls and sudden changes of direction. Up front, a fast and decisive striker opens up more attacking options, especially when facing tight defensive blocks.

The numbers are noteworthy.

• Khong Minh Gia Bao: started 9 out of 10 matches this season for Ho Chi Minh City Police; played the full 90 minutes in 8 matches.
• Nguyen Tran Viet Cuong: 32 appearances, 26 goals in the 2024/25 season; his team finished 7th in the V-League.
• Additional summonses: Le Van Do (Hanoi Police), Tran Bao Toan (Ninh Binh).
• Nguyen Xuan Son returns after 10 months of recovering from injury.

Impact ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup

The short-term goal is three points against Laos, but the long-term significance lies in renewing internal competition. The two new players in two different positions promise to put positive pressure on the existing positions, thereby improving the quality of training and preparation of the Vietnamese national team for the road towards the 2027 Asian Cup Finals.