Vietnam head into ASEAN Cup 2026 with unprecedented squad depth, new naturalized players and a clear mission from coach Kim Sang Sik: defend the title without repeating past mistakes.
Vietnam head into ASEAN Cup 2026 with perhaps the strongest squad in the national team's history, combining experienced stars, newly naturalized players, overseas Vietnamese talent and unprecedented physical strength as head coach Kim Sang Sik targets a successful defence of the regional title.
The South Korean coach named a 28-player squad for the tournament, with the Football Federation of Vietnam (VFF) setting a minimum target of reaching the final.
Vietnam head coach Kim Sang Sik has assembled one of the strongest squads in the national team's history ahead of ASEAN Cup 2026.
"The Vietnam national team must reach the final of the 2026 ASEAN Cup," VFF Vice President Tran Anh Tu said, stressing that competition across Southeast Asia has become increasingly intense, with Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines all strengthening their squads in recent years.
As defending champions, Vietnam are widely regarded as one of the favourites. However, Kim Sang Sik appears determined to avoid complacency as he builds a team capable of sustaining success over the long term.
Attack no longer a concern
Much of the attention surrounding Vietnam's latest squad announcement has focused on the defensive unit, but the reason behind Kim Sang Sik's emphasis on strengthening the back line lies elsewhere: the attack already appears well equipped.
Vietnam have never enjoyed such depth and variety in attacking positions. The arrivals of newly naturalized players Hoang Hen, Tai Loc and Dang Khoa have added size, pace and physical presence in the final third, while established talents such as Nguyen Xuan Son, Dinh Bac and Hai Long continue to mature.
The result is an attacking group capable of creating chances and deciding matches through individual quality as well as collective play.
For Kim Sang Sik, the challenge is no longer finding goals but building a structure capable of protecting leads and delivering tournament success.
Defence becomes the priority
Throughout his time with both Vietnam's senior and U23 teams, Kim Sang Sik has consistently prioritised defensive organisation, drawing comparisons with former coach Park Hang Seo.
Although Vietnam have generally conceded few goals under his management, the coaching staff remain concerned by recurring defensive lapses, including individual mistakes, gaps in front of the penalty area and moments when opponents have been allowed clear scoring opportunities.
That concern helps explain why the current squad includes 11 defenders.
The coach is not only searching for the ideal starting line-up for ASEAN Cup 2026 but also laying the foundations for a long-term defensive core.
A powerful attack may win matches, but Kim Sang Sik believes a resilient defence remains the key to winning championships.
Strongest squad in Vietnam's history?
Many observers believe the current group represents the strongest collection of players Vietnam have ever assembled.
Competition for places exists throughout the squad.
In goal, experienced international Dang Van Lam faces strong competition from first-time call-up Patrik Le Giang, who recently helped Ho Chi Minh City win the National Cup.
Along the defensive line, players such as Do Duy Manh, Bui Hoang Viet Anh and Doan Van Hau offer experience and quality, while versatile wing-backs including Ho Van Cuong, Xuan Manh and Van Vi provide attacking support and defensive stability.
Midfield options have also expanded significantly. Nguyen Hoang Duc, Nguyen Quang Hai and Hai Long remain key figures, while newcomers Tai Loc and Dang Khoa provide additional creativity and flexibility.
Up front, Xuan Son, Hoang Hen and Dinh Bac headline an attack packed with pace, technical ability and scoring power.
The challenge for Kim Sang Sik is finding the right balance among so many attacking options.
Unprecedented physical strength
Beyond technical quality, Vietnam arrive at ASEAN Cup 2026 with a level of physicality rarely seen in the national team's history.
Fifteen members of the squad stand at least 1.80 metres tall, an unprecedented figure for Vietnam.
The defensive unit is particularly imposing. Goalkeepers Tran Trung Kien (1.91m), Dang Van Lam (1.89m) and Patrik Le Giang (1.88m) provide commanding aerial presence.
Defenders such as Van Hau (1.86m), Viet Anh (1.84m), Thanh Chung (1.82m) and Duy Manh (1.80m) give Vietnam added strength in both defensive and attacking set-piece situations.
Centre-back Dinh Quang Kiet, at 1.95 metres, is the tallest player in the squad.
In attack, all five recognised forwards stand at least 1.80 metres tall, further underlining the physical transformation of the national team.
Nguyen Filip misses out
One notable absence is goalkeeper Nguyen Filip.
The Cong An Ha Noi goalkeeper revealed that he would remain with his club after discussions between the Vietnam Football Federation and CAHN.
"It is always a great honour for me to represent Vietnam, especially at a major tournament like the ASEAN Cup," Nguyen Filip said. "However, after discussions between CAHN and the VFF, I will stay with the club as we fight for a place in the AFC Champions League Elite. If we succeed, it will benefit not only the club but also Vietnamese football and the national team in the long term."
CAHN face Adelaide United of Australia in a crucial play-off match for qualification to the AFC Champions League Elite 2026-27.
In Nguyen Filip's absence, Patrik Le Giang receives his first national team call-up after waiting three years for the opportunity.
Limited preparation, but opportunities remain
Vietnam assembled in Hanoi on June 22 before departing for a training camp in Incheon, South Korea, from July 2 to 14.
After returning home, they will play only one international friendly, against Myanmar on July 18 in Thai Nguyen, before beginning their title defence.
The limited number of high-level friendlies has raised concerns among supporters and analysts, particularly given the influx of new players and the need to refine tactical combinations.
However, Kim Sang Sik appears focused on maximising training time rather than exposing his team to excessive scrutiny before the tournament.
The South Korea camp is expected to focus heavily on fitness, tactical organisation and integrating newcomers into the squad.
High expectations, but lessons from the past
On paper, reaching the final appears a realistic objective.
Indonesia are unlikely to have access to many of their Europe-based naturalised players because ASEAN Cup matches fall outside the FIFA international calendar, while Singapore, despite recent progress, remain behind Vietnam in terms of squad depth.
Yet history offers a warning.
At ASEAN Cup 2022, Vietnam entered the tournament under Park Hang Seo as overwhelming favourites following their impressive World Cup qualifying campaign. Despite boasting a talented squad, they fell short against Thailand in the final.
Many analysts attributed that disappointment to tactical predictability, excessive reliance on established players and limited squad rotation.
Kim Sang Sik will be determined to avoid repeating those mistakes.
The coach is expected to continue introducing fresh faces, refining tactical flexibility and ensuring that competition for places remains fierce throughout the squad.
Eyes on another title
Vietnam open their ASEAN Cup 2026 campaign away to Timor-Leste on July 24 before hosting Singapore on July 31 and travelling to face Indonesia on August 3.
Their final group-stage match is against Cambodia on August 7.
Many expect the clash with Indonesia to determine top spot in Group A.
Should Vietnam win the group, a potential semi-final against Malaysia could set up another dream final against Thailand, repeating the championship showdown of ASEAN Cup 2024.
For now, however, Kim Sang Sik's focus remains on preparation.
Vietnam possess the talent, depth, experience and physical attributes to challenge for another title. Whether they can successfully defend their crown will depend on how effectively one of the country's strongest-ever squads evolves into a cohesive championship-winning team.
Vietnamnet.vn
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