Coach Kim Sang Sik is facing a headache in finalizing the Vietnam national team roster for the AFF Cup.

Possessing a thick roster alongside many naturalized footballers, Coach Kim Sang Sik is dealing with a challenging selection problem before the 2026 AFF Cup.

The 2026 AFF Cup is approaching, and Coach Kim Sang Sik is also entering a phase of utmost importance since he took charge of the Vietnam national team. Unlike previous gatherings when the team often faced a shortage of players, the South Korean tactician now must solve the completely opposite issue: who to pick and who to leave out from a squad that has one of the deepest pools in recent years.

After more than a year in charge, Kim has built a highly competitive force across all three lines. The defense sees the return of many experienced mainstays alongside young talents who are shining in the V.League. This gives Vietnam more tactical options but also makes the battle for each spot in the national team fiercer than ever.

In midfield, the consistency of familiar names like Quang Hai and Hoang Duc continues to provide reassurance. However, the emergence of several young midfielders is intensifying the race for positions. Coach Kim Sang Sik will need to carefully weigh creativity, ball control, and physicality to determine the most suitable framework for the region’s biggest tournament.

Meanwhile, the attack is seen as the area generating the most debate. The arrival of naturalized players has helped the attacking strength of the Vietnam national team rise significantly. New faces offer more choices for the coaching staff, while also putting considerable pressure on the domestic forwards who have been familiar with the national team for many years.

Under Coach Kim Sang Sik, reputation or the number of international caps is no longer the deciding factor. The South Korean coach always prioritizes form, tactical adaptability, and team spirit. This means every player must compete fairly if they want to be included in the final list for the 2026 AFF Cup.

Although facing many difficult decisions, this is still seen as a positive signal for Vietnamese football. Having a deep, quality roster and additional naturalized players shows that the national team has a very strong personnel foundation. The biggest challenge for Coach Kim Sang Sik right now is not finding replacements, but selecting the most suitable names to aim for the goal of winning the AFF Cup championship.