VFF rejects foreign player naturalization shortcut for Vietnam national team

The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) President has affirmed that the Vietnam national team — will not follow Indonesia and Malaysia’s path of mass player naturalization.

This decision comes despite the Golden Star Warriors’ declining performance in Southeast Asian football — particularly when facing teams strengthened by naturalized players.

In two World Cup 2026 second round qualification matches last year, Vietnam’s national team under Kim Sang-sik suffered defeats against Indonesia. The Garuda squad coached by Shin Tae-yong, reinforced with naturalized players like Jay Idzes and Ragnar Oratmangoen, secured victories with scores:

• 1-0 in Hanoi
• 3-0 in Jakarta

These results forced Vietnam to drop to Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers — while Indonesia advanced to the third round of World Cup 2026 Qualifications.