The Vietnam national football team is gearing up for the 2026 AFF Cup with a fresh approach under the leadership of Coach Kim Sang Sik. In a surprising move, the coach has decided to exclude 13 players who were instrumental in the team's previous championship victory, opting instead to focus on younger talents and players with overseas experience.

This strategic overhaul reflects a commitment to building a new team dynamic as Vietnam aims to maintain its status as the leading football nation in Southeast Asia. Notable absentees from the latest training squad include experienced players like Nguyễn Tiến Linh, Phạm Tuấn Hải, and Vũ Văn Thanh, all of whom played key roles in the team’s triumph two years ago.

In their place, Coach Kim has introduced promising new faces, including naturalized players like Ngô Đăng Khoa and Nguyễn Tài Lộc, alongside young talents emerging from the U23 team such as Nguyễn Đình Bắc and Khuất Văn Khang. This blend of youth and experience is expected to create a competitive atmosphere as the team prepares for the upcoming challenges.

The selection process will continue for approximately five weeks leading up to the final roster announcement for the AFF Cup, with only 23 spots available. This intense competition for places is expected to push players to perform at their best during training sessions and practice matches.

Vietnam's football team understands that retaining its championship title will not be an easy task, especially with regional rivals enhancing their squads and increasing their use of naturalized players. The bold changes being implemented now are not only aimed at the immediate goal of the AFF Cup but also at laying a strong foundation for the future of Vietnamese football.