Vietnamese Football: Coach Kim Sang-sik and the Personnel Puzzle for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

After the historic victory over the Philippines in the second qualifying round, the Vietnam national team under coach Kim Sang-sik is facing crucial personnel decisions. With the goal of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, the puzzle of squad rotation and maximizing overseas Vietnamese players has become the focus. In the press conference after the match, the Korean tactician emphasized: 'We don't just play for the present. Every position must face fierce competition. I want players who can adapt to multiple tactical systems.' This statement immediately hinted at flexible usage of stars like Nguyen Quang Hai, Nguyen Tien Linh, and especially new faces from Europe. In reality, Vietnam possesses enviable squad depth. In defense, the return of Do Duy Manh from injury and the impressive form of Bui Hoang Viet Anh create healthy competition. In attack, Nguyen Van Toan has shown effectiveness when paired with naturalized striker Rafaelson (Nguyen Xuan Son), who is gradually integrating. However, Kim Sang-sik must also consider fitness issues given the dense schedule of V-League and continental competitions. Another highlight is the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) actively facilitating naturalization procedures for some overseas Vietnamese players in Europe. According to sources, at least two players in the German second division and Dutch league have expressed willingness to play for the national team. They could bring new energy to weak positions like central midfield and full-backs. Tactically, Kim is believed to be experimenting with a flexible 3-4-3 formation, leveraging the speed of wing-backs like Ho Tan Tai and Vu Van Thanh. In closed training sessions, he demands high pressing immediately after losing possession, a trademark of Korean football. However, the team's perennial weakness in aerial duels remains unaddressed, especially against West Asian teams with superior physique. Domestic experts assess that the 2026 World Cup qualifiers are a golden opportunity for Vietnamese football. With the new format, Asia has 8.5 slots, a significant increase. To compete, Vietnam must survive the third qualifying round, where they will face giants like Japan, South Korea, or Iran. That is a huge challenge, but not impossible with thorough preparation. Besides tactics, mental strength is also a priority for Kim. He regularly organizes team-building activities and invites sports psychologists to work with players. 'We need to build a team strong not only in legs but also in mind,' he said. Looking ahead, the friendly match against Iraq in October will be the final chance for Kim to finalize the squad before the third qualifying campaign. Fans hope that with meticulous preparation and determination, Vietnamese football will write a new chapter on the world stage.