Coach Kim Sang Sik finalizes squad for ASEAN Cup

Coach Kim Sang Sik held a meeting and collaborated with Coach Alexandre Polking from Hanoi Police Club (CAHN) concerning the national team's lineup for the upcoming period.

Hanoi Police Club will compete in a play-off match on August 11 to secure a spot in the AFC Champions League Elite group stage, facing Adelaide United (runners-up of the Australian A-League).

This date coincides with the semifinal round of the 2026 ASEAN Cup for the Vietnam national team, which may affect the availability of key players such as Nguyen Quang Hai, Nguyen Dinh Bac, and Cao Pendant Quang Vinh.

The outcome of the meeting was not disclosed, but both Coach Kim Sang Sik and Coach Polking agreed to ensure a balanced interest for both the club and the national team.

According to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), as the V-League season is still ongoing, the VFF continues to maintain close coordination with clubs to harmonize match schedules and national team duties.

Plans for calling up and utilizing players are developed flexibly, safeguarding club interests while meeting the national team's professional requirements, all aiming for the common goals of Vietnamese football.

As early as May 20, 2026, VFF leaders and Hanoi Police Club leadership held a meeting to prepare for a joint plan. Accordingly, the club affirmed its readiness to cooperate, facilitate, and share players when called up, to ensure the best preparation for the Vietnam national team for the 2026 ASEAN Hyundai Cup.

The close coordination and partnership between the VFF and clubs continue to demonstrate a shared sense of responsibility, contributing to strengthening the national team and aiming for high achievements in the regional tournament.

Currently, the VFF's functional departments and head coach Kim Sang Sik have proactively developed and implemented a detailed preparation plan, including squad assembly, training camps, international friendlies, and enhanced cooperation with clubs to ensure the team is optimally prepared for the upcoming important tournament.

In the most recent gathering, CAHN Club contributed the most players to the Vietnam national team with seven footballers.

According to the plan, the Vietnam national team, consisting of approximately 40 members including players, coaching staff, and officials, will be based in Incheon from July 2 to July 14.

Coach Kim Sang Sik has also arranged for the team to play three friendly matches against local clubs. Training and matches will take place at the Incheon Munhak Sports Complex, where the Namdong training ground and the main Munhak Stadium are adjacent.

The V-League will conclude on June 7, while the National Cup final will be held on June 14. Players on the Vietnam national team's call-up list will have about 10 days of rest after the season before regrouping in Hanoi.