New challenge
Coach Kim Sang-sik is even more successful than his predecessor Park Hang-seo if considering his achievements with Vietnamese teams in Southeast Asia.
Over the past 2 years, Mr. Kim has helped U23 Vietnam win the Southeast Asian Championship and win a gold medal at the SEA Games. At the national team level, this strategist helped Vietnam win the ASEAN Cup 2 consecutive times.
FIFA's first organization of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 opens up more opportunities, but also the pressure of achievements for the Vietnamese team and coach Kim Sang-sik.
FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 takes place during FIFA Days, teams are allowed to call up much stronger squads than ASEAN Cup 2026.
The Indonesian team has called up a series of players who are playing in many major tournaments in Europe. Ole Romeny, Justin Hubner... help coach John Herdman have a solid foundation.
Thailand is no exception. "War Elephants" have just announced the squad to participate in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 by changing half of the squad, including the return of star Chanathip Songkrasin and Jude Bell Soonsup.
Remember, the Thai team has Chanathip who has never lost to Vietnam in 8 previous encounters, including 4 wins and 4 draws. Meanwhile, Jude Bell Soonsup is likened by Southeast Asian fans to Jude Bellingham, when he grew up from the English football environment at Chelsea and Tottenham youth teams.
Like Indonesia, the Philippines team has many changes every time they enter the FIFA Days. They can call up quality faces playing in Europe such as Paul Tabinas, Gerrit Holtmann, Raphael Obermair or Dylan Demuynck...
Assertive opportunity
Southeast Asian teams have reason to "demand revenge" to the Vietnamese team after the defeat at the ASEAN Cup. Therefore, FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 will be a big challenge for coach Kim Sang-sik and his team.
From a positive perspective, the tournament is an opportunity for the Vietnamese team to upgrade their squad and prove their position in the region.
Mr. Kim's squad will increase strength with the service of Nguyen Filip, Quang Vinh, Ngo Dang Khoa or Adou Minh, Luong Chi Khai... This is also the basis for the Korean coach to surprise Thailand, Philippines or Indonesia with new internal strength.
In addition to affirming their stature in Southeast Asia, the matches at FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 are also a "high-dose test" for the Vietnamese team to rub shoulders, towards the 2027 Asian Cup finals. Further, it will be a lever for coach Kim Sang-sik to assess the force before participating in the 2030 World Cup qualifiers next year.
