Coach Kim Sang Sik leads the Vietnam national team into a new cycle.

Coach Kim Sang Sik has shown a clear path by confidently pursuing a youth-driven strategy for the Vietnam national team. Tien Linh and Tuan Hai were omitted, while Coach Kim Sang Sik extended chances to numerous U23 faces and highly potential young players.

Coach Kim Sang Sik has proven thatthe Vietnam national teamcurrently values form and performance over fame.

The preliminary squadof the Vietnam national teamfor the AFF Cup 2026, announced by Coach Kim Sang Sik, further shows that players once considered mainstays like Nguyen Filip, Nguyen Tien Linh, or Pham Tuan Hai can all be replaced if their form does not meet requirements.

This is not just a personnel change; it is a statement about a new football philosophy where competition is a fundamental principle.

Tien Linh, despite a promising performances in the latter part of the season for CLB Cong An TP.HCM, helping his team secure a top-5 finish in the V-League and win the National Cup, still did not have his place guaranteed.

Similarly, Tuan Hai also fell out of the squad due to inconsistent form for Hanoi FC. Nguyen Filip was left out as the South Korean coach has Van Lam, Trung Kien, and Le Giang as his goalkeeping options.

Coach Kim Sang Sikis giving opportunities to a new generation that is emerging strongly in the V-League. Twenty-something-year-old players like Khoa Ngo, Dinh Quang Kiet, and Ngoc My have been called up, clearly reflecting a comprehensive youth strategy across all positions.

Thanh Hoa's Ngoc My is also included after a standout season, while U23 faces like Nhat Minh (Hai Phong), Van Khang (The Cong Viettel), Dinh Bac (CLB Cong An Ha Noi), and goalkeeper Trung Kien (HAGL) continue to receive trust.

The notable point is that the emergence of many new faces is not merely "experimental" but a genuine preparation for a long-term competitive cycle. The case of goalkeeper Le Giang is a typical example.

The Slovakian-born goalkeeper, after becoming naturalized and completing FIFA procedures, has been called up, creating direct competition with Dang Van Lam and Tran Trung Kien.

In defense, the arrival of Dinh Quang Kiet and Nguyen Nhat Minh brings a fresh breeze. These are young players with good physique, tackling ability, and modern playing thinking.

In attack, Xuan Son remains the focal point, but he is surrounded by new options like Tai Loc, a powerful naturalized striker. Additionally, there are Nguyen Dinh Bac, Gia Hung, and Viet Cuong. Notably, Khoa Ngo, with his impressive form for CLB Cong An TP.HCM (4 goals in 14 matches), has provided Coach Kim Sang Sik with another dynamic and exciting option.

Overall, under the South Korean coach, the Vietnam national team is operating on a very clear principle: not relying on reputation, not favoring the past, and always being open to those in the best form. This creates great pressure but also raises the standard of competition to a new level.

In a context where regional rivals like Indonesia and Singapore are both increasing naturalization and upgrading squad quality, rejuvenation and resource expansion are inevitable.

Coach Kim Sang Sik understands that to maintain the top spot in Southeast Asia, the Vietnam national team cannot stand still. He needs a squad that is not only strong now but also capable of developing over the next 3-5 years to come.