Vietnam’s fourth-place finish in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 reveals a deeper issue: a lack of squad depth within the national team. The core problem isn’t the immediate results, but the thinness of the player pool available to coach Kim Sang-sik. This deficiency needs to be addressed quickly, particularly during the upcoming FIFA Days international break. Coach Kim Sang-sik is urged to be bolder in providing opportunities to emerging talents and new players. Expanding the player base is crucial for long-term competitiveness. The focus must shift towards building a more robust and versatile squad for future tournaments. The coming matches represent a vital opportunity to experiment and identify potential solutions.