Vietnam national team shows a new look at the 2026 ASEAN Cup

Vietnam's national team has activated its defense of the regional crown by finalizing a training camp in South Korea from July 2 to 14. This period is essential preparation for the 2026 ASEAN Cup, as Coach Kim Sang-sik's side seeks to retain their status as Southeast Asia's number one.

Choosing South Korea as the base is not only based on professional factors but also carries psychological significance. Coach Kim Sang-sik expects that the familiar environment of his home country will help the players achieve a relaxed mental state and the highest concentration.

During their stay in Incheon, the Vietnam team is scheduled to play three friendly matches against local clubs. This is a golden opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate form, test tactics, and review personnel before finalizing the official squad.

For Coach Kim Sang-sik, this training camp is not merely about improving fitness or technical-tactical aspects. It is also a bond that unites the team during a transitional period of integrating and blending key personnel. The South Korean coach's top priority is to recreate a path to victory with a more combative, disciplined, and modern version of the Vietnam national team.

With the high goal of defending the tournament title, beyond the core players, Coach Kim Sang-sik has boldly given opportunities to Tran Trung Kien, Dinh Quang Kiet, Nguyen Ngoc My, Pham Gia Hung, Nguyen Dinh Bac, and Ngo Dang Khoa. Based on their performances in the V-League, this is clearly not a "trainee" list but serves the South Korean manager's calculations, not only for the future.

Looking at the squad called up for the ASEAN Cup, it can be seen that the Vietnam team's core has not undergone major changes, with promising young players interspersed. However, Coach Kim Sang-sik has sent a very clear message: he only selects players based on form. The absence of Nguyen Tien Linh and Tuan Hai reinforces this viewpoint, as Tien Linh has suddenly become incredibly wasteful with chances, while Tuan Hai was almost absent from the scoring charts in the V-League last season.

Not only is he selecting based on form, but Coach Kim Sang-sik also emphasizes the chemistry between players at the club level, picking 5 players from Hanoi FC, 6 from CAHN, and 7 from Ninh Binh FC. Pairs like Thanh Chung-Duy Manh, Quang Hai-Dinh Bac, and Xuan Son-Hoang Hen continue to be called up and may play alongside each other in crucial, decisive matches.

Of course, there are other players called up who are not just "touring," but as in previous gatherings, Coach Kim Sang-sik fundamentally prioritizes the chemistry among players in positions that require high connectivity, as well as versatile individuals.

The second half of 2026 and early 2027 are expected to be a true marathon for the Vietnam national team, with major tournaments coming in quick succession. Starting with the ASEAN Cup defense campaign from July 24 to August 26, followed immediately by the FIFA ASEAN Cup, a completely new competition, which will run from September 21 to October 6. This dense schedule of matches puts tremendous pressure on the players' legs. The problem of distributing energy becomes more difficult than ever, as Vietnam must both secure regional results and aim for bigger goals on the continental stage.

Although the Vietnam U23 team just won a bronze medal at the Asian level, the gap in experience and quality compared to the first team remains a significant barrier. To optimize the squad, the coaching staff needs to clearly define objectives for each tournament. The success or failure of Vietnamese football in 2026 lies not only in on-field tactics but also in the ability to adapt to the harsh pace of modern football.

This is the time for Coach Kim Sang-sik to prove his managerial mettle, steering the Vietnam national team through the storm towards the most important destination: the 2027 Asian Cup.