After nearly a month of training and four friendly matches, the South Korean coach has largely settled on his preferred squad. While all 25 players traveled to the tournament with an opportunity to compete for places, the preparations have gradually established a clearer pecking order.

Some players have strengthened their claims for a place in the starting lineup, while others have changed the coaching staff's initial assessment through strong performances. For those still on the fringes, however, the opening match against Timor-Leste represents a crucial opportunity, as competition for starting spots is expected to become even more intense as the tournament progresses.

ASEAN Cup 2026 is therefore not only a battle against regional rivals but also an internal competition that Kim deliberately created from the first day of training camp. With the tournament now underway, experimentation is over and every decision is focused on one objective: winning matches and successfully defending Vietnam's regional title.

Players expected to seize their opportunity

As the defending champions, Vietnam have little room for error. Every match could influence their chances of retaining the title, placing greater responsibility on every player selected.

Established stars such as Nguyen Quang Hai, Nguyen Hoang Duc and Nguyen Xuan Son are expected to lead the team once again. At the same time, younger players including Ngoc My, Gia Hung and Tai Loc have an opportunity to prove they deserve a larger role.

Competition extends beyond the opponent on the field. Every performance could determine who earns a starting place later in the tournament and in future international competitions.

Kim believes his strongest lineup has already emerged following consecutive friendly victories over Gangwon FC of South Korea's K League 1 and Myanmar. In both matches, he fielded a similar starting XI featuring goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang alongside Xuan Manh, Thanh Chung, Nhat Minh, Tien Anh, Hoang Duc, Quang Hai, Hoang Hen, Van Hau, Tai Loc and Xuan Son.

Following Vietnam's 4-0 victory over Myanmar, Kim described the lineup as his optimal combination heading into ASEAN Cup 2026. He also highlighted the importance of naturalized players Xuan Son, Hoang Hen and Tai Loc, expressing confidence that the trio would become even more influential once the tournament began.

Given his coaching approach, Kim is widely expected to retain the same starting lineup for the opening match against Timor-Leste.

Strong start the immediate objective

Although Timor-Leste are considered one of the weaker teams in Group A, Vietnam are approaching the match with full focus.

A convincing victory would not only provide three points but could also improve goal difference, an important factor in the group stage, while giving the team confidence ahead of more demanding fixtures against Singapore, Indonesia and Cambodia.

Vietnam should also benefit from a favorable schedule, with a full week to recover before hosting Singapore in their second group match.

Even if Kim fields the same lineup used against Myanmar, he believes the team still has tactical flexibility and can be more unpredictable as the tournament progresses.

For Vietnam's players, the opening match is also an opportunity to repay the trust their head coach has shown throughout the preparation period. Those who perform well will strengthen their hold on a starting place, while those who fail to seize the moment may find opportunities increasingly limited given the squad's depth across every position.

ASEAN Cup 2026 fixtures

Vietnam have been drawn in Group A alongside Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia and Timor-Leste.

Their group-stage schedule is as follows:

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, which will be played over two legs. The final will also be contested over two legs on Aug. 22 and Aug. 26.

As defending champions, Vietnam enter the tournament aiming to retain the regional crown. However, the challenge is expected to be fierce, with Indonesia and Thailand again regarded among the strongest contenders for the title.

Duy Nguyen - Thien Binh - Dai Nam