Vietnam U22 drops Tran Thanh Trung, only calls up Viktor Le.

The first major decision on the journey towards the 33rd SEA Games: Tran Thanh Trung is not included in the Vietnam U22 squad for the 4th round of 2025, while Viktor Le is the only overseas Vietnamese player called up. The list of 26 players was announced by coach Kim Sang Sik on November 6th, in preparation for the CFA Team China Panda Cup 2025 and to warm up for December in Thailand.

Tran Thanh Trung's absence: the decision and context.

According to initial information, the group of overseas Vietnamese being monitored included Viktor Lê, Vadim Nguyễn, and Trần Thành Trung. However, in the preliminary list of the Vietnam U22 team for the SEA Games 33, only Viktor Lê was included. As for Thành Trung, his recent injury is not too serious and he has returned to the starting lineup in the last two rounds, but the coaching staff needs more convincing: his ability to adapt to the Vietnam U23 team's playing style and ensure his fitness remain key criteria.

At the youth level, the selection criteria are not only based on immediate form but also on compatibility within the game structure, rhythm, and pressing tempo – where physical fitness determines the ability to maintain intensity. The decision to drop Thanh Trung therefore reflects the very high level of competition in the midfield, while prioritizing players who are already familiar with the system.

Competition for a place in the U22 Vietnam midfield.

Thanh Trung's position has become more crowded as familiar options have been reinforced. Xuan Bac and Khuat Van Khang have returned to the U23 team (not called up to the national team this time), along with Van Truong and Cong Phuong – names that have already proven their abilities. This has narrowed the opportunities for experimentation and significantly reduced the safety margin for rotational positions in the midfield.

Continuity in the squad helps the team maintain its rhythm and common language over a short period, especially before a high-quality friendly tournament like the Panda Cup, where the pace of the game and the intensity of the competition can be important indicators before the SEA Games.

Viktor Lê is the only Vietnamese expatriate: his role and challenges.

Viktor Lê – a Vietnamese-Russian player – continues to be trusted. He is a key player for Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh, possesses extensive V-League experience, and regularly features in the Vietnam U23 team. However, even when playing for the U23 team, Viktor's starting position is not guaranteed – a detail that highlights the strict selection criteria in the current U22 midfield.

At the upcoming tournament level, the coaching staff's priority may be to balance tackling ability, spatial awareness, and quality in tight spaces – qualities Viktor has accumulated in the V-League environment. The challenge is to translate that experience into stability within the U22 system, where cohesion is highly valued.

Panda Cup 2025: A benchmark ahead of the 33rd SEA Games.

The Vietnam U22 team will assemble on November 9th under the leadership of Acting Head Coach Dinh Hong Vinh, and then travel to China to participate in the CFA Team China Panda Cup 2025. The tournament will take place from November 12-18 in Chengdu (Sichuan Province, China), and will bring together four U22 teams: China, South Korea, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

At the competitive level, this is a highly challenging test, due to the diverse range of opponents in terms of style and physical ability. The result is not the only objective; more importantly, it's about screening personnel, assessing physical condition, and evaluating the integration of key players.

Detailed preparation schedule

• November 6th: Announcement of the 26-player squad for the Vietnam U22 team in the 4th training camp of 2025.
• 9/11: Assemble the team, finalize training volume and personnel structure.
• November 12–18: Attend the CFA Team China Panda Cup 2025 in Chengdu.
• November 23rd: General rehearsal training for the 33rd SEA Games begins in Vung Tau.
• 2/12: Travel to Thailand to attend the Congress.

Impact on the SEA Games 33 race

The roster adjustments made right from the Panda Cup show a clear direction: maintaining a stable core, testing positional depth, especially in midfield – where the tempo of the game is determined. Tran Thanh Trung's absence signals a short-term challenge in terms of competitiveness, but the door isn't closed if he proves his fitness and integration into the team in the next phase.

For Viktor Lê, the opportunity lies in his ability to bring V-League experience into the developing U22 system. The days at the Panda Cup will be a direct test before the list for the SEA Games 33 is finalized.