Viet Nam head into the tournament following one of the most comprehensive preparations in the region. While most Southeast Asian teams assembled only around two weeks before the competition, Kim Sang Sik’s side have reaped the benefits of a 31-day training camp, including a fortnight-long training stint in the Republic of Korea and four friendly matches.
An injection of momentum from naturalised players
Compared with the squad that lifted the trophy two years ago, Kim Sang Sik has engineered a radical overhaul. Thirteen players who helped Viet Nam win the 2024 championship are no longer part of the squad. In their place are a host of promising young talents, bringing fresh energy and increased competition for places.
The most notable addition, however, is the inclusion of three Brazil-born naturalised players: Nguyen Xuan Son, Do Hoang Hen, and Nguyen Tai Loc. Their arrival is widely regarded as a significant upgrade in quality, particularly in attack.
Expectations surrounding the trio were swiftly vindicated in Viet Nam’s recent friendly against Myanmar, where they secured a convincing 4-0 victory.
Xuan Son once again exhibited his goal-scoring prowess with one goal, while Hoang Hen also found the net and impressed with his intelligent movement into the penalty area and clinical finishing.
Tai Loc stood out with his technical ability, ball retention, and link-up play. After only a short period with the national team, all three have adapted rapidly to Kim Sang Sik’s tactical system.
According to football pundit Phan Anh Tu, Viet Nam have grown markedly more formidable thanks to the arrival of the naturalised players, combined with a generation of domestic players reaching their peak.
“Nguyen Tai Loc and Do Hoang Hen have already proven their quality in the V.League. Beyond their technical ability, they provide tremendous motivation for local players. Xuan Son and Hoang Hen developed an excellent understanding at club level, while Tai Loc is a technically gifted South American player capable of producing moments of brilliance. Alongside the likes of Quang Hai, Hoang Duc, and Hai Long, Viet Nam now have a very exciting attacking line-up,” he said.
Distinct upper hand over regional rivals
While Viet Nam have assembled close to their strongest possible squad, many of their rivals will compete without several key players.
Indonesia have called up 14 naturalised players, although most currently play in the domestic league rather than in Europe.
Thailand will be without a number of key stars, while Malaysia have selected only seven ageing naturalised players, with the remainder of the squad made up largely of youngsters still gaining experience.
According to Thai journalist Korkit Pond Saejiw of Think Curve, Viet Nam are the overwhelming favourites to win the 2026 ASEAN Championship thanks to their strong squad and superior depth.
He observed that, in terms of personnel, current form, and overall strength, Viet Nam have an advantage over the other contenders. Thailand, meanwhile, have called up only a handful of senior players, with the majority of the squad consisting of under-23 players, as the Football Association of Thailand prioritises preparations for the FIFA ASEAN Cup.
Saejiw added that Indonesia will be Viet Nam’s main challengers, noting that although they do not have all of their Europe-based naturalised players available, footballers such as Thom Haye, Ragnar Oratmangoen, and Eliano Reijnders remain formidable opponents, having played at a high level in the Dutch top flight.
However, the Thai journalist expressed his belief that Viet Nam are eminently capable of retaining the title, given their thorough preparation and disciplined, physically demanding style under Kim Sang Sik.
Many football experts also estimate that Viet Nam have around an 80% chance of successfully defending their regional crown, citing the team’s meticulous preparations and Kim Sang Sik’s tactical leadership.
As the reigning champions, they argue, retaining the title is naturally the team’s objective. Compared with their rivals, Viet Nam have undergone far more rigorous preparations, from a lengthy training camp and four warm-up matches to the continued refinement of both the squad and playing style.
Kim Sang Sik’s managerial ability is also seen as a key reason why supporters believe Viet Nam are well placed to retain their regional crown.
With an upgraded squad, comprehensive preparations, and growing stability under Kim Sang Sik, Viet Nam possess many advantages in the race for the 2026 ASEAN title.
However, to achieve their goal of defending the championship, Vietnamese players must forge greater cohesion on the pitch while overcoming what is expected to be their toughest challenge in Group A: Indonesia.
