Kim Sang-sik, the head coach of the U.23 Vietnam football team, has been assigned a new responsibility as he prepares to lead the national team in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. This move comes as the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has confirmed that the U.21 team will represent Vietnam at the 20th Asian Games (ASIAD) scheduled for September 2026.

The FIFA ASEAN Cup and ASIAD will take place concurrently, with the ASEAN Cup running from September 21 to October 6, 2026, and ASIAD from September 19 to October 4, 2026. Traditionally, the ASIAD men’s football tournament features U.23 teams, supplemented by three players over the age of 23. However, the VFF has decided to send the U.21 team to ASIAD, allowing the U.23 team to focus on the upcoming FIFA ASEAN Cup.

Kim Sang-sik’s decision to prioritize the national team reflects a strategic approach to preparing for significant competitions in the coming years, including the 34th SEA Games in 2027 and the U.23 Asian Championship in 2028, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Despite being an U.21 team, the players selected have shown great potential in the V-League and are expected to make a significant impact in Japan. Notable players include Cao Văn Bình, Đinh Quang Kiệt, and Nguyễn Lê Phát, who have already made their marks in national competitions.

The VFF has expressed confidence that the U.21 team will strive to perform well at ASIAD, aiming to surprise their opponents. Meanwhile, Kim Sang-sik will focus on leading the national team, with the VFF hinting that he may delegate the U.21 team to one of his assistants, similar to previous arrangements.

As the national team gears up for the FIFA ASEAN Cup, the VFF has set ambitious goals, aiming for a strong performance that could see them competing for the championship against regional rivals like Indonesia and Thailand. With the withdrawal of China from the tournament, the competition landscape has shifted, potentially favoring Vietnam.

As the football calendar intensifies, the VFF is strategically planning to ensure that Vietnamese football continues to excel in all competitions it participates in.