Indonesian media: Vietnam national team is about to make history with three naturalized players

According to Indonesian media, the Vietnam national team could deploy three naturalized Brazilian players together for the first time at the 2026 ASEAN Cup.

Indonesian media reports that the Vietnam national team is on the verge of achieving a notable milestone at the 2026 ASEAN Cup by fielding three naturalized Brazilian players simultaneously for the first time in the starting lineup. This is seen as one of the biggest changes made by coach Kim Sang Sik in preparation for defending the Southeast Asian championship.

According to Bola.com, after announcing the 28-player preliminary squad for the 2026 ASEAN Cup, Coach Kim Sang Sik has left open the possibility of including Nguyen Xuan Son, Hendrio (Do Hoang Hen), and Geovane (Nguyen Tai Loc) together in the attack. The South Korean tactician stated that the coaching staff has developed various tactical options, and whether the three naturalized players will play together depends on each opponent and the match situation.

The Indonesian newspaper believes this trio could bring a completely new look to Vietnam's attack. Among them, Nguyen Xuan Son is still considered the main striker after impressive performances in recent tournaments, while Hendrio and Geovane are expected to enhance creativity and the ability to create breakthroughs up front. If all three appear in the starting lineup, this will be the first time the Vietnam national team uses three naturalized Brazilian players simultaneously in an official tournament.

Additionally, Bola.com also noted that Coach Kim Sang Sik is gradually rejuvenating the squad by giving opportunities to many new faces. Players like Quang Kiet, Ngoc My, Viet Cuong, and Nhat Minh are said to have impressed with their performances in the V.League and have received close attention from the coaching staff. Furthermore, Patrik Le Giang and Ngo Dang Khoa have also been called up, although the overseas Vietnamese defender could not join due to injury.

The squad situation for the Vietnam national team is also showing many positive signs, as key players like Do Duy Manh and Phan Tuan Tai have entered the recovery phase. Coach Kim Sang Sik expressed hope that the entire team will achieve optimal physical, tactical, and mental condition after the training camp in South Korea before entering the tournament.

The 2026 ASEAN Cup will take place from July 24 to August 26, with the Vietnam national team placed in Group A alongside Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia, and Timor Leste. With the two teams considered top contenders for the group lead, every move by Coach Kim Sang Sik—especially the potential use of three naturalized Brazilian players—is drawing significant attention from Indonesian media and fans ahead of the upcoming major clash.