ASEAN Cup 2026: Overview of the Vietnam National Team – Defending Champions Aiming to Retain the Title With a strong squad of naturalize...

ASEAN Cup 2026: Overview of the Vietnam National Team – Defending Champions Aiming to Retain the Title

With a strong squad of naturalized players, meticulous preparation plans, and experienced key players, the Vietnam national team is ready for their title defense campaign at the ASEAN Cup 2026.

Dear friends, I am Trung Tín – sports analyst. The Vietnam national team, as the defending champions, is preparing for their title defense journey at the ASEAN Cup 2026. Timor-Leste’s official qualification after the play-off has completed Group A, giving the team a clear view of the challenges ahead.

Schedule for Group A of the 2026 Southeast Asian Football Championship (ASEAN Cup)

Preparation Plans of the Vietnam National Team

Under the guidance of head coach Kim Sang-sik, the team is following a long-term preparation plan that combines international friendly matches and domestic training camps. The squad will gather early to focus on fitness, tactics, and integration between naturalized players and local talents. This thorough preparation aims to ensure consistent performance throughout the regional tournament.

Naturalized Players and Key Players

Coach Kim Sang-sik has called up several quality naturalized players for this preparation period. The most notable include:

• Nguyễn Tài Lộc (Geovane Magno): An attacking midfielder who is performing excellently for Ninh Bình, possessing good technique, creativity, and sharp finishing. This is his first call-up to the national team.
• Patrick Lê Giang: An experienced goalkeeper, called up for the first time, adding depth to the goalkeeping position.
• Nguyễn Xuân Son and Đỗ Hoàng Hên (Hendrio): The two Brazilian naturalized players continue to be important options, strengthening the attack and midfield.

In addition, key familiar players such as Nguyễn Quang Hải, Phạm Tuấn Hải, Nguyễn Filip, and Đặng Văn Lâm form a solid foundation, creating a balanced squad with a mix of experience and youth.

Group A and Match Schedule

Group A consists of Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia, and Timor-Leste. The team will open the campaign against Timor-Leste on July 24 – an opponent within their control. This is an excellent opportunity for Vietnam to build goal difference and confidence before facing tougher opponents like Indonesia and Singapore.

Goals and Prospects

The main goal for the Vietnam national team is to successfully defend their title. With stable form, thorough preparation, and a strong squad, the team has every chance to top Group A and advance deep into the knockout stages. This is not only an opportunity to affirm their regional dominance but also an important stepping stone for bigger objectives in the future.

What do you think about the Vietnam national team’s chances at the ASEAN Cup 2026? Please leave your comments below to share your thoughts.

Trung Tín - Sports Commentator