How has the lineup of the Vietnam national team changed compared to the ASEAN Cup 2024 as they prepare to face Singapore?

The Vietnam team is preparing to play their second group stage match in the ASEAN Cup 2026 against Singapore. Compared to the version that won the ASEAN Cup 2024, the "Golden Star Warriors" have undergone many personnel changes.

In the goalkeeper position, we have two faces who did not participate in the ASEAN Cup 2024: Đặng Văn Lâm of Ninh Bình and Patrik Lê Giang of Công An TP.HCM, replacing the two goalkeepers who took part in the ASEAN Cup 2024, Nguyễn Filip and Đình Triệu. Trần Trung Kiên is the only one remaining from the group of goalkeepers who won the 2024 title and continues to participate in this year's tournament.

The defense line has also seen significant changes with the inclusion of Phan Tuấn Tài, Nguyễn Nhật Minh, Đinh Quang Kiệt, and Khổng Minh Gia Bảo. Notably, the return of Đoàn Văn Hậu after a long period of injury treatment is considered a major highlight. None of them participated in the ASEAN Cup 2024.

In the midfield area, coach Kim Sang-sik places his trust in new talents such as Đỗ Hoàng Hên, Lê Văn Đô, and Nguyễn Ngọc Mỹ. Most notably, the addition of Hoàng Hên, a naturalized star with keen observation, versatility, and deadly finishing ability.

In this year's ASEAN Cup, coach Kim Sang Sik also has the services of Phạm Gia Hưng, Nguyễn Tài Lộc, Nguyễn Đình Bắc, and Nguyễn Trần Việt Cường, who were not on the playing list in the ASEAN Cup 2024. Overall, the Vietnam team at the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 has 14 new players compared to the champion version of 2024, a very significant change in personnel.

In this year's tournament, we no longer have familiar faces such as goalkeepers Nguyễn Filip and Nguyễn Đình Triệu, defenders Vũ Văn Thanh, Bùi Tiến Dũng, Nguyễn Thanh Bình, Đỗ Duy Mạnh, and Hồ Tấn Tài, midfielders Khuất Văn Khang, Châu Ngọc Quang, and Đoãn Ngọc Tân. Forwards such as Tiến Linh, Bùi Vĩ Hào, Văn Toàn, Tuấn Hải, and Đinh Thanh Bình are also no longer present.

Although there are many changes, the Vietnam team in the ASEAN Cup 2026 still retains many players who were crowned champions in 2024, such as Nguyễn Thành Chung, Phạm Xuân Mạnh, Trương Tiến Anh, Bùi Hoàng Việt Anh, Nguyễn Văn Vĩ, Nguyễn Hai Long, Nguyễn Hoàng Đức, Lê Phạm Thành Long, Nguyễn Quang Hải, and Nguyễn Xuân Son. They continue to be important players in coach Kim Sang Sik's plan for the ASEAN Cup 2026.

There are 6 Vietnamese players who started in the 2-0 victory over Singapore in the first leg of the ASEAN Cup 2024 semi-finals, and they are still with the Vietnam team for the ASEAN Cup 2026: Xuân Mạnh, Thành Chung, Trương Tiến Anh, Quang Hải, Hoàng Đức, and Xuân Son.

Notably, Xuân Son scored 3 goals in the two victories of the Vietnam team over Singapore in the ASEAN Cup 2024 semi-finals, including one goal in the 2-0 win in the first leg and a brace in the 3-1 win in the second leg.

Compared to the champion version of the ASEAN Cup 2024, the Vietnam team now even possesses more quality attacking players such as Đình Bắc, Hoàng Hên, or Tài Lộc.

With a harmonious blend of old and new elements, we are still maintaining a cohesive, smooth, and more diverse and dangerous attacking style, and coach Kim Sang Sik now has more cards in hand to make a difference compared to two years ago when the Vietnam team relied heavily on Xuân Son.