In the two previous editions led by the Argentine coach, Vietnam reached the quarter-finals.

According to the match schedule, Vietnam will open Group B with a match against Kuwait at 5:00 pm on January 27. They will then face Lebanon on January 29 before concluding the group stage against Thailand on January 31.

Speaking at the official pre-tournament press conference in Jakarta on January 26, Giustozzi underlined the need to focus on each match individually, particularly the opening fixture.

Giustozzi acknowledged that Vietnam’s setback at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2024, when the team failed to secure a place at the World Cup, was an important lesson. Since then, he and his coaching staff have adopted a new approach, placing greater emphasis on younger players and a more proactive attacking style.

“We are trying a new direction with a younger squad that plays a more attacking game, even though the balance is not yet ideal,” Giustozzi said. “Our task is to help the players become more complete and balanced. We are confident this is the right path as we work toward the 2028 World Cup.”

Although the 2026 Asian Cup does not offer qualification spots for the 2028 World Cup, Giustozzi described the tournament as an important step in the team’s long-term development.

“This team needs more matches and more experience,” he said. “We believe in these players, even though six or seven of them are only 20 or 21 years old.”

Vietnam will hold their final training session later on January 26 ahead of their Group B opener against Kuwait.

Coach Giustozzi finalises 14-player roster for 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup

VOV.VN - Head coach Diego Giustozzi has crossed names of five players to finalize the 14-player Vietnamese futsal team that will travel to Jakarta, Indonesia, to participate in the 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup from January 27 to February 7.