Leaving out Cong Phuong, coach Kim Sang-sik selects a star who recently suffered relegation.

Even though Becamex Ho Chi Minh City dropped to the First Division, Nguyen Tran Viet Cuong still received a call-up from coach Kim Sang-sik to the Vietnam team.

The newest list of called-up players for the Vietnam national team continues to cause fans to talk due to the absence of Nguyễn Công Phượng, although he performed remarkably in the First Division and helped Truong Tuoi Dong Nai earn promotion to the V-League 2026/27. Unlike the forward from Nghe An, Nguyễn Trần Việt Cường, a player who just accompanied Becamex Ho Chi Minh City suffered relegation, instead earned the confidence of coach Kim Sang-sik, thus demonstrating that the South Korean tactician has very specific standards when choosing his squad.

For many years, chances for First Division players to reach the national team have been limited. Under Kim Sang-sik, only exceptional cases such as Dang Van Lam and Nguyen Hoang Duc were summoned while representing Ninh Binh. What they share is established quality and significant impact within the squad.

Hence, Cong Phuong's ongoing omission, even though he performed well for Binh Phuoc (now Dong Nai), inevitably leaves many fans disappointed. Together with Minh Vuong and Xuan Truong, the 1995-born forward played a role in helping the Green Warriorssecure promotion, yet that was insufficient to persuade Kim Sang-sik to grant him a return opportunity to the Vietnam side.

Conversely, Nguyen Tran Viet Cuong represents an unusual situation. The 25-year-old striker just went through an incomplete season as Becamex HCMC were forced to play in the First Division. Typically, being part of a relegated side makes one's national team prospects much slimmer, particularly given the significant perceived gap in quality between the V-League and the First Division.

Nevertheless, Kim Sang-sik appears to focus on individual displays rather than team results. Even though his club failed to stay up, Viet Cuong enjoyed a remarkable campaign, recording seven goals and one assist in 21 appearances. Excluding naturalized players such as Do Hoang Hen and Nguyen Tai Loc, the 25-year-old was among the top domestic goalscorers in the V-League this past season.

Beyond his club performances, Viet Cuong has made his mark whenever given the opportunity to represent Vietnam. His energetic style, expansive movement, and tenacious attitude have earned him favor with the coaching staff, securing his place in the preparation plans for the 2026 ASEAN Championship.

Arguably, Viet Cuong's selection is not an act of favoritism but a well-earned recognition of his unceasing efforts. While many players are impacted by their club's performance, the 2000-born striker has opted to prove his worth through his displays on the pitch.

Kim Sang-sik's decision also conveys a clear message: the national team remains open to any player who delivers compelling performances, irrespective of their club's division. For Viet Cuong, this camp is a chance to further demonstrate his capability and vie for a place in the Vietnam squad as they look to defend their Southeast Asian crown.