The decision to train in Quy Nhon is due to the climate in the south-central city being similar to that of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where the World Cup qualifiers will be held, according to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF).

Footballers called up to the national team will then travel to Hanoi for further training before flying to the UAE on May 28.

Le Hoai Anh, general secretary of the VFF, said local players will be vaccinated against the SARS-CoV-2 virus on April 19 and April 20 at the Military Hospital 108.

The Vietnamese squad must then have samples taken as part of COVID-19 testing 72 hours before departing for the UAE. Upon landing in the Middle Eastern country, the entire team will then have a second test.

Moving forward, Vietnam are scheduled to take on Indonesia on June 7, Malaysia on June 11, before playing hosts the UAE on June 15, as announced by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). 

The national men’s football team are currently leading Group G with 11 points after five matches played. The target is to hold on to the top place and progress to the third qualifying round in the Asian region for the first time in history.