Coach Kim Sang Sik makes a decision regarding Dinh Bac for ASIAD 2026

Coach Kim Sang Sik may not use overage players at ASIAD 2026, leaving Dinh Bac's chance of participation uncertain.

After Vietnam U23 secured third place at the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026, the preparation plan for the next stage of Vietnam's youth football was quickly shaped. One of the focal points is the squad for ASIAD 2026, scheduled to take place in Japan from September 14 to October 3, 2026, which includes the notable case of striker Nguyen Dinh Bac.

According to the proposed plan, Vietnam U23 is likely to not use a proper U23-age squad but instead employ U21 players to provide competitive opportunities for young talents. This is considered a strategic step in the long-term preparation process for important tournaments of Vietnamese football in the coming years.

According to the regulations for men's football at ASIAD, each team can register up to three overage players (above 23 years old). However, the Vietnam U23 coaching staff is considering the option of not using this supplementary quota, thereby allocating all playing opportunities to young players born from 2005 onward.

This approach was previously applied at ASIAD 2019 when the Vietnam team registered only one overage player, goalkeeper Do Sy Huy, but did not use him throughout the tournament. At that time, many young faces born in 2003 such as Thai Son, Dinh Bac, Van Khang, Thanh Nhan, and Quoc Viet were given the chance to play and accumulate international experience.

In that context, the case of striker Dinh Bac receives special attention. The forward born in 2004 is regarded as one of the outstanding talents in Vietnamese football today and has left his mark in recent youth tournaments. However, if Vietnam U23 decides to use a fully U21 squad at ASIAD 2026, this player's chance of participation becomes uncertain.

Nevertheless, the strong rejuvenation of the squad is seen as a preparatory step for the long-term goals of Vietnamese football, particularly the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2028 – a tournament that also serves as the qualifying round for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Through the ASIAD platform, young players will have the opportunity to accumulate international match experience, thereby forming the next generation for the national team in the future.