Meeting Gangwon FC is more than just Vietnam's final friendly match in South Korea. It represents head coach Kim Sang Sik's most significant test before the national team returns home to continue preparations for the ASEAN Cup 2026.

A crucial test

Facing progressively stronger opponents has created a logical evaluation pathway, allowing Vietnam time to adapt before taking on their toughest challenge yet against Gangwon FC, a club competing in K League 1, on July 13.

The first two friendlies produced plenty of encouraging signs. Vietnam scored eight goals, secured two victories, and saw attacking players such as Hai Long, Xuan Son, Dinh Bac and Viet Cuong all make positive impressions. The performances have also given Kim Sang Sik and his coaching staff a stronger basis for assessing individual players following a demanding training period.

Photo caption: Vietnam have completed two valuable friendly matches during their training camp in South Korea.

However, Kim Sang Sik understands those results are only a stepping stone. Opponents from K League 3 and K League 2 cannot replicate the level of pressure Vietnam are likely to encounter at the ASEAN Cup.

That is why the meeting with Gangwon FC is widely viewed as the most important test so far for both the Vietnam national team and Kim Sang Sik.

A chance to finalize Vietnam's core lineup

While the previous two matches helped Kim Sang Sik evaluate the team's tactical approach and the players' integration into his system, the clash with Gangwon FC offers an opportunity for a more comprehensive assessment.

A side competing in K League 1 is expected to apply greater pressure, forcing Vietnam to move the ball more quickly, maintain better team shape and remain fully focused throughout the match.

Photo caption: Vietnam's biggest challenge of the training camp comes against Gangwon FC on July 13.

The coaching staff will also gain a clearer understanding of the team's transition play, defensive organization and how individual players respond when they are no longer able to dictate the game.

Equally important, this is likely to be the final opportunity for several players to strengthen their case before Kim Sang Sik gradually settles on the core squad for the ASEAN Cup 2026. With competition for places still unresolved across several positions, every minute against Gangwon FC could influence the South Korean coach's final decisions.

As a result, the scoreline is not the only measure of success. A victory would certainly be welcome, but even if Vietnam face significant difficulties, the greatest value of the match will lie in the lessons the team takes away.

Ultimately, the training camp in South Korea was never designed to produce victories in every friendly. Its primary objective is to ensure Vietnam return home as a more complete and better-prepared team.

In that journey, the showdown with Gangwon FC stands as Kim Sang Sik's final—and most important—test before the ASEAN Cup 2026.

Duy Nguyen