Korean newspaper: Coach Kim Sang Sik summons 5 naturalized players, Vietnamese supporters split into two camps.

Korean press: Coach Kim Sang Sik selects 5 naturalized players, Vietnamese fans voice two contrasting viewpoints.

On the eve of the 2026 ASEAN Cup, the Vietnam national team under Coach Kim Sang Sik is drawing Korean media attention as it assembles a squad with the highest number of naturalized players ever. This has sparked mixed reactions within the Vietnamese fan community.

According to a recent article on Ajunews, Coach Kim Sang Sik has summoned 28 players for the preparation phase aimed at defending the ASEAN Cup 2026 title.

This list includes up to 5 naturalized players: Xuân Son, Hoàng Hên, along with three first-time call-ups—Slovak-born goalkeeper Patrick Lê Giang, Brazilian-born striker Nguyễn Tài Lộc, and Australian-Vietnamese midfielder Ngô Đăng Khoa.

Among these, Patrick Lê Giang is deemed the most notable figure by Korean media. The goalkeeper, born in 1992, previously represented Slovakia's U19 and U21 teams before moving to compete in Vietnam in 2023. Standing at 1.88 meters with extensive experience, Patrick Lê Giang is expected to intensify competition in the goalkeeping position.

Additionally, midfielder Ngô Đăng Khoa, born in 2006, has garnered significant interest. The player of Vietnamese-Australian heritage grew up in Perth Glory's academy and played in the A-League before returning to Vietnam earlier this year. His ability to operate both as an attacking midfielder and a winger enabled him to score 5 goals last season, catching the eye of Coach Kim Sang Sik.

Striker Nguyễn Tài Lộc, of Brazilian origin, completed his Vietnamese naturalization procedures in April. He is expected to provide additional attacking options alongside Xuân Son and Hoàng Hên.

On the flip side, two familiar naturalized players—goalkeeper Filip Nguyễn and defender Cao Pendant Quang Vinh—are absent due to commitments with Hanoi FC in the AFC Champions League. Meanwhile, the most recent ASEAN Cup top scorer Nguyễn Tiến Linh remains absent due to poor form.

According to Ajunews, the fact that Vietnam has as many as 5 naturalized players has generated contrasting opinions within the fan community. Some believe the national team's identity could be compromised if the number of naturalized players keeps rising.

However, many fans support Coach Kim Sang Sik's decision. They argue that players who have completed naturalization procedures fully deserve the chance to contribute to the national team. Given that numerous Southeast Asian teams are bolstering their squads with naturalized players, enhancing competitiveness is viewed as a necessary step.

Korean media also stressed that the Vietnam team will assemble in Hanoi from June 22 before heading to South Korea for a training camp from July 2 to 14. Following a friendly match against Myanmar, Coach Kim Sang Sik will finalize the squad for the 2026 ASEAN Cup.

At the 2026 ASEAN Cup, scheduled from July 24 to August 8, Vietnam is placed in Group A alongside Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia, and the winner of the playoff between Timor-Leste and Brunei. Coach Kim Sang Sik's side will play their opening match on Timor-Leste's home ground on July 24.