Coach Kim Sang Sik: 'Vietnam National Team Confident to Compete in the 2026 ASEAN Cup'

Coach Kim Sang Sik evaluated the initial week of the Vietnam team's practice sessions and the goals of their training trip to South Korea, scheduled from July 2 to 14, as part of preparations for the 2026 ASEAN Cup.

In preparation for the flight to Incheon (South Korea) at 10:20 a.m. on July 2, Coach Kim Sang Sik decided to reschedule the Vietnam team's training on July 1 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m.

In an interview before this session, Coach Kim Sang Sik shared: "Ngo Dang Khoa had to return to his club a few days ago. He is a very talented young player, but unfortunately cannot join us for this tournament's preparation. I feel quite regretful about that.

Duy Manh and Phan Tuan Tai are still in their injury recovery phase, but their condition is progressing very well and they will return soon. Although some players are injured, the current squad members are preparing very well.

If we manage our physical fitness well at this stage, along with tactical and psychological issues when we go to South Korea, I expect we can compete at the highest level in this tournament.

This time, both naturalized and local players have gathered, including Patrik Le Giang and Geovane (Tai Loc). I see that these players are integrating very well. Having Patrik and the others join has made the team much stronger. We need to see how quickly they can adapt and find the right combination with the existing players to prepare for the upcoming ASEAN Cup."

Regarding competition within the Vietnam team, Coach Kim Sang Sik affirmed: "Players like Quang Kiet, Ngoc My, Viet Cuong, Nhat Minh... are young talents. Over the past period, I have observed them closely in the V.League and see that they are in very good form.

I wanted to call them up to the national team to directly assess them, and if they show progress through this process, I hope they can perform well. Currently, I am closely monitoring their development."

Coach Kim Sang Sik also highly valued the addition of assistant coach Kim Do Heon. With experience playing in the K.League, the English Premier League, and having served as a coach at Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Coach Kim Sang Sik believes this new colleague will effectively support the players, especially in the midfield and attacking areas.

According to the plan, during the training camp in South Korea from July 2 to 14, the Vietnam national team will play three friendly matches against opponents from K.League 3, K.League 2, and K.League 1, gradually increasing the difficulty. This will help the coaching staff test the squad, evaluate player form, and refine tactical plans before entering the 2026 ASEAN Cup.

After the training camp in South Korea, the Vietnam national team will return to Hanoi to continue final preparations through an international friendly match against Myanmar on July 18 at Thai Nguyen Stadium.

This will be an important dress rehearsal before Coach Kim Sang Sik and his players embark on their journey to defend the 2026 ASEAN Cup title, opening with an away match against Timor Leste.