For the ASEAN Cup 2026, head coach Kim Sang Sik called up six forwards to the Vietnam national team: Tai Loc, Ngoc My, Gia Hung, Viet Cuong, Xuan Son and Dinh Bac. Of those six, only Xuan Son and Dinh Bac found the net, with the pair sharing the tournament’s Golden Boot after scoring five goals each.

In fact, Kim initially had high expectations for Tai Loc, hoping he would share the goalscoring burden with Xuan Son and Dinh Bac. However, the Ninh Binh FC striker delivered a steady but largely unremarkable campaign.

The remaining forwards - Ngoc My, Gia Hung and Viet Cuong - were mainly backup options and made little significant contribution to Vietnam’s campaign.

It is clear from what unfolded at the ASEAN Cup that Kim may once again have to rely heavily on Dinh Bac and Xuan Son at the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. But Vietnam’s opponents will undoubtedly study the two forwards closely and devise ways to neutralize them.

Neither Dinh Bac nor Xuan Son scored in the two legs of the ASEAN Cup 2026 final between Vietnam and Thailand. Vietnam’s goals instead came from Hai Long and Quang Hai, along with two own goals by Thai players.

If a Thailand side that was not at full strength could already make life difficult for Xuan Son and Dinh Bac, the challenge could become even greater at the upcoming FIFA ASEAN Cup. With several quality players expected to bolster their squad, the War Elephants are confident they can settle the score with Vietnam.

Kim, more than anyone, will understand the difficulties awaiting Vietnam at the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. The South Korean coach needs more alternatives in attack, particularly forwards capable of providing something different, while continuing to count on Xuan Son and Dinh Bac maintaining their form.

With only two rounds of the V-League played, finding genuinely new options will not be easy for Kim.

There have, however, been encouraging signs from Tien Linh. The 29-year-old striker scored the opening goal as Ho Chi Minh City Police FC defeated Hanoi FC in their V-League opener.

Tuan Hai of Thep Xanh Nam Dinh and Vietnamese-origin striker Williams Minh Hoang of Ho Chi Minh City Police FC are other options Kim should consider.

Compared with Gia Hung, Viet Cuong and Ngoc My, these players are currently rated more highly and could provide Vietnam with the additional attacking dimension they will need.

Dai Nam