Đình Bắc unexpectedly may participate in ASIAD 2026

Despite the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) intending to send the U21 group to ASIAD 2026, Đình Bắc retains the opportunity to be part of and play an important role in Vietnam’s U23 team.

Vietnam’s U23 team has officially secured a spot in the men’s football event at ASIAD 2026 by being among the 16 teams qualifying for the 2026 AFC U23 Championship finals. According to the agreement between the Asian Football Confederation and the Olympic Council of Asia, teams participating in the 2026 AFC U23 Championship automatically qualify for ASIAD. This is a vital chance for Vietnam’s youth football to gain experience on a major continental stage.

However, according to the Vietnam Football Federation’s (VFF) plan, the squad for ASIAD 2026 will mainly consist of U21 players aiming for long-term goals such as the 2028 AFC U23 Championship and 2028 Olympic qualifiers. This means coach Kim Sang Sik must build an almost entirely new core, as most key players who won bronze at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship will be overage.

Nevertheless, ASIAD rules allow each team to include up to three overage players. This opens the door for experienced individuals to join and support the young U21 group. In this context, striker Nguyễn Đình Bắc emerges as a notable option.

Three years ago at ASIAD 2022, Đình Bắc was part of Vietnam’s U23 squad but did not make a significant impact while playing as a winger. At that time, he had not yet established himself as a main striker, and the U23 team was eliminated in the group stage.

Over the past three years, Đình Bắc’s development has been very evident. Wearing the Hanoi Police FC jersey, the Nghệ An-born forward has improved his finishing, movement, and versatility across the front line. If given the chance at ASIAD 2026, it would be an opportunity for him to prove his leadership on the field.

With the strategy focusing on U21 players but still allowing overage additions, Đình Bắc’s participation in ASIAD 2026 is entirely feasible. If coach Kim Sang Sik trusts him, this striker could provide experienced support and aim for a more outstanding performance compared to the previous ASIAD.