The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) on Friday announced the appointment of Kim Sang Sik from South Korea as the new head coach for both the Vietnamese U23 and national teams.

Kim’s contract lasts two years from May 2024 to March 2026. 

His first challenge as Vietnam’s head coach involves steering the national team through the remaining two matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup second qualifying round in Asia. 

They will face the Philippines at home on June 6 and Iraq away on June 11. 

Additionally, the VFF has outlined plans to assemble the team in September, October, and November for official and friendly international matches. 

These gatherings will serve as crucial preparation opportunities for upcoming competitions, including the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup from November 23 to December 21 and the third qualifying round of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, slated to commence in March 2025.

For the U23 team, Kim will have to ensure optimal preparations for the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifying round in September 2025, followed by participation in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand in December 2025.

The VFF expressed confidence in Kim’s ability to help both teams achieve their goals, citing his track record and the cultural affinity between Vietnam and South Korea as assets. 

“Kim himself conveyed hope for strong support from Vietnamese fans and media, drawing motivation from the shared cultural ties and aiming at success in his new role,” the football governing body said in its announcement.

Born on December 17, 1976, Kim boasts a rich background in football. 

He represented the South Korean national team at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and secured third place at the AFC Asian Cup in 2000 and 2007. 

Transitioning to coaching, Kim served as assistant head coach of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC in South Korea’s top-level K-League 1 from 2013 to 2020. 

At his helm, the club claimed six K-League 1 championships, one National Cup, and triumphed in the AFC Champions League. 

Elevated to head coach in 2021, Kim promptly led Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC to clinch the 2021 K-League 1 title and secure victory in the 2022 South Korean National Cup, earning him the accolade of ‘Best Coach of 2021.’

Kim’s assignment comes more than a month after Frenchman Philippe Troussier’s contract was terminated prematurely at the end of March.

Under Troussier’s leadership, the Vietnamese U23 and national teams endured a disappointing streak, with the latter notably suffering two defeats against Indonesia in the second qualifying round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Currently, Vietnam are in third place in their group, with three points after four matches. 

That puts them three points behind second-placed Indonesia, significantly diminishing their prospects of progression.

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