Indonesia Media: Vietnam National Team Has a New Look

"Vietnam National Team is preparing a new look for the AFF Cup 2026, with a trio of Brazilian-naturalized players ready to face the Indonesian team," reads the headline of an article on Bola, a leading Indonesian news outlet.

According to Bola's assessment, the Vietnam national team could set a new milestone at the AFF Cup 2026.

For the first time in history, the "Golden Star Warriors" might field three Brazilian-naturalized players simultaneously.

Accordingly, Coach Kim Sang Sik has left this possibility open after calling up 28 players to prepare for the biennial tournament.

"Regarding the possibility of the three Brazilian-naturalized players playing together, that will depend on each match. We have our own plans, including the tactical scheme and a suitable lineup," Coach Kim Sang Sik told the press yesterday, July 1st.

Xuan Son, Hoang Hen, and Tai Loc are the trio of naturalized players for the Vietnam team at the 2026 Asean Cup. Photo: VFF

The Vietnam national team will participate in the AFF Cup 2026, which takes place from July 24th to August 26th. The team is in Group A alongside Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia, and Timor Leste.

For this year's Asean Cup, Coach Kim Sang Sik has begun making major changes to the forward line. Formerly familiar names for the Vietnam team like Tien Linh and Tuan Hai are no longer priority choices.

Instead, the Vietnam team will place its trust in a trio of Brazilian-naturalized players: Do Hoang Hen (Hendrio), Nguyen Tai Loc (Geovane), and Nguyen Xuan Son, with Xuan Son remaining the primary striker.

Coach Kim Sang Sik has also given opportunities to two players who recently completed their naturalization process, Ngo Dang Khoa and Patrik Le Giang. However, Ngo Dang Khoa was forced to return to his club due to injury.

Although there are still some injury cases, the personnel situation for the Vietnam national team is gradually improving. Do Duy Manh, Khua Van Khang, and Nguyen Ngoc Bao are making positive progress in their recovery.

"If we can manage our physical condition well, while also preparing thoroughly in terms of tactics and mentality before the training trip to South Korea, I hope the Vietnam national team will be strong enough to compete at the highest level in this tournament," Kim Sang Sik shared.

Alongside using naturalized players, Coach Kim Sang Sik is also paying close attention to the young talents of Vietnamese football. He believes that rejuvenating the squad is a crucial factor for maintaining the strength of the national team.

Players like Quang Kiet, Ngoc My, Viet Cuong, and Nhat Minh are showing impressive form in the V.League. Kim Sang Sik said he is closely monitoring their progress.

"I see they are in very good form. Therefore, I want to call them up to the national team to evaluate them directly," he said.

The South Korean coach also confirmed that both naturalized and domestic players have assembled, including Patrik Le Giang and Geovane (Nguyen Tai Loc).

To prepare for the AFF Cup 2026, the Vietnam national team will train in South Korea from today, July 2nd, to July 14th, 2026. During their time in South Korea, the Vietnam national team will play three friendly matches.

Specifically, on July 5th, the team will face Siheung FC, a representative currently playing in K.League 3. Three days later (July 8th), Coach Kim Sang Sik's squad will encounter Yongin FC from K.League 2. The final match will take place on July 13th against Gangwon FC, a team playing in K.League 1. This is considered the most important test before the team returns home.