HLV Kim Sang-sik is about to unveil a 'new version' of the Vietnam National Team?

The training trip to South Korea is not merely a preparation for the ASEAN Championship 2026; it is also considered a chance for Head Coach Kim Sang-sik to define a new identity for the Vietnam National Team in the next phase.

Each time the Vietnam National Team gathers or embarks on an important training trip, fans pose a familiar question: "What's new this time?". The training camp in South Korea ahead of the ASEAN Championship 2026 is no exception. This is seen as a crucial moment for Coach Kim Sang-sik to gradually shape a "new version" of the team, aiming to defend the Southeast Asian throne and, further, for future ambitions.

In modern football, innovation is no longer a choice but a mandatory requirement. A team that relies solely on past successes will easily be caught up and overtaken by rivals. This becomes even clearer as regional football witnesses the strong rise of many teams, from investing in youth training to policies on naturalized players.

Even South Korea, one of Asia's leading football nations, is facing pressure for reform after a less-than-expected 2026 World Cup. This shows that no team can afford to stand still if they want to continue competing at a high level.

For the Vietnam National Team, the ASEAN Championship 2024 title opened a new development cycle under Coach Kim Sang-sik. After more than a year on the job, the South Korean strategist now has more favorable conditions to upgrade the team. Alongside an experienced group of players, Vietnamese football has seen the maturation of many promising young faces, along with additional options from naturalized players, increasing squad depth and creating competition in many positions.

However, possessing many quality players doesn't automatically mean the team will become stronger. Football is not a simple sum of outstanding individuals; it requires cohesion in play, discipline, and the ability to operate as a unified collective. This is the biggest puzzle Coach Kim Sang-sik must solve during the preparation for the ASEAN Championship 2026.

The training camp in South Korea therefore carries a significance far beyond a routine fitness training or friendly match. The three matches against Siheung FC, Yongin FC, and Gangwon FC will be an opportunity for the coaching staff to test various tactical options, evaluate the integration of new elements, and finalize the optimal squad framework for the team. The performances on South Korean soil will partly reflect the direction Coach Kim Sang-sik is building.

Fans perhaps cannot expect all changes to appear immediately. However, this training trip is considered the starting point for the Vietnam National Team to gradually unveil a new look. The question "What's new about the Vietnam National Team?" may be answered through each training session, each friendly match, and more importantly, when the team officially begins its journey to defend the ASEAN Championship 2026 throne.