Vietnam national team refines its roster

With 28 players called up to prepare for the 2026 ASEAN Cup, coach Kim Sang Sik shows that there are no longer "default slots" in the Vietnam national team. The competition for positions is becoming fiercer than ever, which could create a new look for Vietnamese football in the future.

One of the biggest changes in the Vietnam national team right now is the real competition in every position.

No longer are there names guaranteed a spot due to reputation or past contributions. The Korean coach is selecting players based on form, tactical adaptability, and suitability to the new playing style.

That is why many veterans unexpectedly lost their spots. Tiến Linh and Tuấn Hải were once key strikers for the Vietnam team, but now they no longer have secure positions. Young players like Đình Bắc, Văn Khang, Hai Long, Việt Cường, Gia Hưng, and Đình Bắc are being given more opportunities.

Coach Kim Sang Sikwants the team to play with higher intensity, more speed, and greater flexibility. Players who can play multiple positions are highly valued. Xuân Mạnh is a typical example, able to play both right-back and right-sided center-back. Hoàng Hên can play as an attacking midfielder and also on the wing. Quang Hải and Hoàng Đức are no longer restricted to central midfield roles as before.

Modern football demands that players be much more versatile. The competition in the Vietnam national team now is probably the fiercest in many years. Top goalkeepers like Văn Lâm, Trung Kiên, and Patrik Lê Giang still do not know who will start. Not to mention Nguyễn Filip fromHanoi Policeready to be added.

At center-back, Thành Chung, Duy Mạnh, and Việt Anh are veterans, but coach Kim Sang Sik will not hesitate to give starting spots to Xuân Mạnh, Văn Hậu, Ngọc Bảo, or Nhật Minh. Young center-back Quang Kiệt is also a potential name that Kim Sang Sik is investing in for the future.

The Vietnam team's attack is now even more crowded with Xuân Son, Tài Lộc, Hoàng Hên, Hai Long, Văn Khang, Đình Bắc, Việt Cường, Gia Hưng, Văn Đô, Khoa Ngô, and Ngọc Mỹ. The Korean coach has many versatile players and may have to cut some before the official tournament.

The positive aspect is that this competition helps the Vietnam team raise overall quality. Players are forced to maintain consistent form if they want coach Kim Sang Sik to take them to the major tournament.

ASEAN CupThe upcoming tournament is therefore not only about defending the championship. It is also a period to shape a new framework for the 2027 Asian Cup and beyond.

Coach Kim Sang Sikis accepting change, even if it means he has to drop many familiar stalwarts. But perhaps that is what Vietnamese football needs right now if it wants to keep up with the modern trends of Asian football.