Coach Kim Sang Sik unexpectedly considers calling Đình Bắc for the Asian tournament?

Coach Kim Sang Sik may call up some Vietnam U23 players, including Đình Bắc, to prepare for ASIAD 20, even though we prioritize summoning U21 players.

Coach Kim Sang Sik is considering calling up some Vietnam U23 generation players to compete in ASIAD 20, which may include Đình Bắc. This decision was made after carefully evaluating the performance of the U21 generation at the CFA Team China - Xi'an 2026 friendly tournament, aiming to optimize the squad and enhance the team's competitiveness in the upcoming Asian tournament.

Initially, the plan of VFF and Coach Kim Sang Sik was to give opportunities to the U21 generation to represent Vietnam U23 at ASIAD 20, similar to the approach used for ASIAD 19 in 2023, when players like Thái Sơn, Đình Bắc, Văn Khang… gained international match experience and accumulated competitive exposure. However, after observing the players' form, the coaching staff realized that adding some U23 players who won the bronze medal at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup would help the team perform more effectively, especially against strong opponents.

ASIAD 20 is scheduled to take place from September 14 to October 4 in Aichi – Nagoya, Japan. Prior to that, players will complete the 2025/2026 V-League season and prepare for the 2026 AFF Cup. Therefore, adding some U23 players for ASIAD 20 not only enhances the squad's quality but also helps in rationally dividing the forces, ensuring players' fitness and avoiding overload from consecutive competitions.

The mechanism of splitting into two groups is seen as a feasible solution: one core group focuses on the AFF Cup, while the other group, consisting of suitable U23 players, will join the U21s for ASIAD 20. This both protects fitness and utilizes the match experience of players who have competed extensively over the past year, ensuring high performance.

Currently, Coach Kim Sang Sik, his assistant staff, and VFF leadership are discussing to finalize the optimal list, considering factors of fitness, form, and player compatibility. The goal is to ensure performance in the 2026 AFF Cup while preparing a strong force for Vietnam U23 at ASIAD 20.

According to reliable sources, the Vietnam national team is likely to call up 4-5 U23 players for the 2026 AFF Cup, with Đình Bắc, Văn Khang, Trung Kiên… being prioritized. This decision reflects Coach Kim Sang Sik's "two-in-one" strategy: protecting AFF Cup results while strengthening preparations for ASIAD 20.