After the victory over the Philippines, coach Kim Sang-sik and his team went to Iraq to participate in the final match of the second qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup.
Early morning of June 8, coach Kim Sang-sik and his team left the hotel to go to Iraq. Photo: Hai HoangThe Vietnam team's flight departed from Noi Bai at 2:30 a.m. on June 8. Photo: Hai HoangPreviously, coach Kim Sang-sik finalized the list of 23 players to go to the West Asian country. Photo: Hai HoangIn addition to Van Toan, the Korean strategist also did not name goalkeeper Quan Van Chuan, Nguyen Thai Son and Tran Ngoc Son. The three players were not registered to play in the match against the Philippines. Photo: Hai HoangGood news for the Vietnamese national team's defense is the return of central defender Bui Hoang Viet Anh after a previous suspension. Photo: Hai HoangOn the morning of June 7, the Vietnamese team was divided into two groups for light training. The first group consisted of the main players, who practiced recovery at the hotel. The reserve players, who played less minutes, practiced high intensity in a short time and got a feel for the ball at the Vietnam Youth Football Center (VFF). Photo: Hai HoangAt the press conference after the 3-2 win over the Philippines, coach Kim Sang-sik said: "The Vietnamese team has been waiting for victory for a long time. Photo: Hai HoangSo, even though they had only practiced for 5 days, the players played with great enthusiasm and gave their all. This brought victory to the Vietnamese team. Photo: Hai HoangIn Iraq, the team will have at least 3 training sessions to prepare for the match with the host team. This is the last match of Group F, the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup in Asia. Photo: Hai HoangCoach Kim Sang-sik waved to reporters before leaving. Photo: Hai HoangHe raised his fist to show his determination to cause a surprise against Iraq. Photo: Hai HoangThe match between Vietnam and Iraq will take place at 9:00 p.m. on June 11 local time (1:00 a.m. on June 12 Vietnam time). Photo: Hai Hoang
