Bangladesh finalizes 23 players for match against Vietnam team, includes FA Cup champion

The Bangladesh national team has officially finalized the roster of 23 players for the international friendly against the Vietnam team during the FIFA Days in March 2026.

According to the plan, the Bangladesh team will arrive in Hanoi on the morning of March 21, five days earlier than the match's scheduled time at Hang Day Stadium (March 26). Arriving in Vietnam so early demonstrates the seriousness and high determination of the South Asian representative in acclimatizing to weather conditions, pitch facilities, and the competitive environment.

Previously, Bangladesh began training camp from March 16 with a preliminary list of up to 38 players. After the selection process, head coach Javier Penato has settled on the best 23 names. Notably, this Bangladesh squad brings what is considered their strongest current lineup, featuring many players developed in advanced football systems.

The most prominent figure is midfielder Hamza Choudhury, a name who previously played in the English Premier League for Leicester City. The 28-year-old player quickly became a pillar of the Bangladesh team, scoring 4 goals in just 7 appearances. Choudhury developed in Leicester's academy from age 7, once played for England U21, and with the club won the FA Cup 2020/21, the English Super Cup 2021, and the Championship title 2023/24.

Alongside Choudhury, Bangladesh also possesses a number of notable foreign-origin players. Center-back Tariq Zaki developed in Finland and has played for this country's youth national teams. Midfielder Cuba Mitchell once signed a professional contract with Sunderland, while Shamit Shome has experience playing for the Canada national team before deciding to dedicate himself to Bangladesh.

Additionally, the "Bengal Tigers" squad includes names like Zayyan Ahmed (USA), Kirmanee Shah (Canada), and Jamal Bhuyan (Denmark). Overall, there are up to 7 players of Bangladeshi heritage but trained in advanced football systems, forming a collective rich in physicality, speed, and international experience.

Considering recent form, Bangladesh has a record of 2 wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses since 2025 to date. However, they have already lost the chance to compete for a spot in the 2027 Asian Cup finals, currently ranking third in their group, trailing group leader Singapore by 6 points before the final match.

For the Vietnam national team, the match against Bangladesh is seen as a crucial preparatory step before coach Kim Sang-sik and his team host Malaysia at Thien Truong Stadium (Ninh Binh) on March 31 in the final Asian Cup 2027 qualifying round. Therefore, the contest at Hang Day is not merely a friendly, but also an opportunity for the coaching staff to assess the squad, refine the playing style, and test tactical options.