Vietnam ready to defend title at FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026

Coach Kim Sang Sik has finalized the Vietnam national team squad for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, a tournament his team currently holds as defending champions. According to an announcement from the VFF, the official squad will be unveiled after the second round of the 2026/27 LPBank V-League this weekend, allowing clubs to complete their fixtures before releasing players. This tactical move ensures harmony between the national team and club sides, a perennial issue during call-ups. Notably, the preparation window is extremely tight. Players will assemble on September 21, depart for Indonesia on September 23, and have only two official training sessions before the opening match against the Philippines on September 26. This poses significant challenges in fitness and tactics, as a team requires more than two sessions to execute patterns smoothly. However, Coach Kim remains optimistic, banking on the foundation built by the championship-winning squad. Vietnam is placed in Group B alongside Thailand, the Philippines, and Pakistan. The opener against the Philippines is seen as an opportunity to build momentum before the heavyweight clash with Thailand just three days later. Thailand is a traditional rival and the team Vietnam beat in the recent final to claim the title. This rematch is expected to be pivotal, deciding group leadership and psychological edge for the remainder of the tournament. In terms of personnel, Coach Kim has largely retained the core from the title-winning squad, reflecting a "continuity over rebuild" philosophy. However, a significant loss is midfielder Van Vi due to injury, a key figure in Kim's tactical setup. Additionally, the return of Nguyen Hoang Duc remains uncertain. Hoang Duc is the midfield maestro, known for his playmaking and penetrating passes. Without him, Vietnam's midfield creativity will be diminished, forcing a reliance on wide play or quick transitions. Vietnam's strength lies in a solid defense and the fighting spirit of experienced players. Despite having only two training sessions, the understanding built from previous camps allows them to execute familiar patterns. The tournament rules include extra time and penalties for knockout stages, demanding stamina and composure – qualities Vietnam has demonstrated in major tournaments. Group B is considered challenging, featuring Thailand, the region's top rival, and the Philippines, a rising team with quality naturalized players. Pakistan is an intriguing wildcard from outside Southeast Asia, adding diversity. Vietnam's goal is to top the group, advance to the semifinals, and eventually defend the title in the final. Coach Kim expressed satisfaction with the players' morale during this short camp. He emphasized that despite limited time, the players are match-fit from regular V-League action. The remaining task is inter-line coordination, which two tactical sessions can partially address. "We don't need much time to understand each other; these players have fought and won together. What matters is spirit and hunger for victory," Kim shared. Mental preparation is also emphasized. The pressure of defending the title is considerable, especially with Thailand seeking revenge. However, with experienced players like Que Ngoc Hai, Nguyen Tien Linh, and Nguyen Van Quyet, the team can handle pressure to aim high. Compared to previous AFF Cups, the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 has a new name and format, but its essence remains the competition among Southeast Asia's elite. Vietnam, as defending champion, is highly rated but cannot be complacent. Thailand under a new coach is resurgent, the Philippines has a strong pool of naturalized players, and Pakistan could spring surprises if underestimated. Weather conditions in Indonesia in late September are also a factor. High temperature and humidity can affect stamina, given the players' heavy V-League schedule. The coaching staff has prepared nutrition and recovery plans to ensure peak condition. In summary, Vietnam enters the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 with advantages and challenges. The short preparation demands quick adaptation, while performance pressure is ever-present. Yet, with the champion's mentality, fans can expect an impressive campaign from the team in Indonesia. Can Coach Kim's side deliver? The answer will come after the first matches in early October.