However, by pioneering in Southeast Asia the adoption of an international standard schedule for national football leagues (V-League and First Division), Vietnamese football has proactively minimized the risk of overlap between domestic schedules and national team training camps, a problem that had caused many difficulties in the past.
This proactive approach clearly reflects Vietnam's football's proactive integration strategy. Instead of passively waiting for adjustments, Vietnamese football is gradually positioning itself on the common development trajectory of world football.
Alongside the scientifically organized match schedule, the application of VAR technology, and efforts to improve the quality of youth player training from clubs and academies, are creating a foundation for sustainable development following a "pyramid" model, in which the national team is supported by community football and the youth training system.
These advancements are partly reflected in the achievements of the U22, U23, and national teams over the past five years. Winning regional titles, as well as gradually making a mark on the continental stage, is no longer a distant goal but has become a reality for Vietnamese football.
From the perspective of international managers and experts, the biggest "bottleneck" that Vietnamese football needs to address is the ability of players to play abroad – a factor that is almost mandatory to raise the level and competitiveness of the national team.
Asian football practices show that developed football nations possess a large pool of players competing in top leagues around the world. Japan, South Korea, and countries like Iran, Uzbekistan, Iraq, and even Thailand in Southeast Asia have all achieved success from this strategy.
In our country, sending players abroad to play is still largely spontaneous, lacking continuity and a systematic process. From training partnerships and career guidance to media, legal, and post-transfer support, nothing has yet been organized as a long-term strategy.
Meanwhile, in developed football nations, "exporting" players is seen as an industry, with professional scouting, representation, and intermediary systems, and significant investment.
To overcome this bottleneck, governing bodies such as the VFF and VPF will need to coordinate more with clubs in developing comprehensive player support programs, ranging from language training and life skills development to connecting players with international partners and leagues.
In addition, clubs should be encouraged to be more proactive in discovering and developing talent and expanding cooperation with foreign football, thereby creating stable "channels" for Vietnamese players to reach the world stage.
2026 is considered a pivotal year for Vietnamese football to assert its position. We already have a foundation in terms of a young player base that is increasingly well-trained, professional leagues that operate stably, and clubs that are gradually adopting modern football economics through the exploitation of ticket sales, broadcasting rights, and image rights. The remaining issue is translating these advantages into concrete actions.
"Being ahead and anticipating future trends" shouldn't just be a slogan; it must become clear, concrete steps for Vietnamese football to truly integrate deeply and sustainably. When Vietnamese players have enough confidence and ability to conquer the big stages, the national team can become fundamentally stronger, meeting the expectations of millions of fans.
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/di-truoc-va-don-dau-post837511.html
![[Photo] President Luong Cuong and his wife attend the Spring Homeland Art Exchange Program 2026](https://vphoto.vietnam.vn/thumb/1200x675/vietnam/resource/IMAGE/2026/02/08/1770565939066_ndo_br_1-6752-jpg.webp)
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