Vietnam's team eliminates a series of champions to defend the AFF Cup title

Coach Kim Sang Sik has made a strong overhaul of Vietnam's squad, dropping several AFF Cup winners and offering chances to young talents, overseas Vietnamese, and naturalized players.

The Vietnam national team is entering an important preparation phase for the goal of defending the AFF Cup 2026 championship. However, instead of continuing to place absolute trust in the squad that won the title two years ago, Coach Kim Sang Sik has chosen a bolder path by implementing a major personnel overhaul.

In the latest training camp roster, as many as 13 players who contributed to Vietnam's AFF Cup victory are no longer in the plans. Experienced names such as Nguyen Tien Linh, Pham Tuan Hai, Vu Van Thanh, Doan Ngoc Tan, Nguyen Filip, and Nguyen Dinh Trieu are all absent. This is seen as a surprising decision but clearly reflects the Korean coach's direction in building a new squad.

Replacing many veterans are promising new faces. Naturalized and overseas Vietnamese players like Ngo Dang Khoa, Nguyen Tai Loc (Geovane), and Le Giang Patrik l... are given their first chance to shine in the national team jersey. In addition, a number of young players who graduated from the U23 Vietnam squad, such as Nguyen Dinh Bac, Khuat Van Khang, Nguyen Nhat Minh, Nguyen Ngoc My, Tran Trung Kien, and Dinh Quang Kiet, are also highly anticipated.

This change not only rejuvenates the squad but also creates a highly competitive environment throughout the preparation period. Most of the called-up players have shown good form in the recent V.League season. This gives Coach Kim Sang Sik more quality options in every position, while also motivating players to strive and prove themselves in upcoming training sessions and closed-door friendlies.

Notably, the squad screening process will last about five weeks before the team finalizes the official roster for the 2026 AFF Cup. With only 23 spots available for the tournament, competition in every line promises to be fierce. Many highly rated players could still be cut if they do not meet the tactical requirements set by the coaching staff.

After the success at the previous AFF Cup, the Vietnam national team understands that maintaining the top position in Southeast Asia is not an easy task. As regional rivals continuously upgrade their squads and strengthen with naturalized players, boldly refreshing the lineup could be the key for the "Golden Star Warriors" to make a difference. This change today is not only aimed at the 2026 AFF Cup but also a step in preparing for the long-term future of Vietnamese football.