After a relatively quiet 2024, the Vietnam women’s national football team is set to embark on an ambitious journey in 2025, with a focus on regional dominance and a strong push towards securing a spot at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Strategic Preparations Throughout 2024
With no major international tournaments in 2024, the Vietnam women’s team, under the leadership of head coach Mai Duc Chung, utilized the year as a preparatory phase for upcoming challenges. The team participated in multiple training camps, including international friendly tournaments, to enhance the players’ exposure and experience against stronger opponents.
One of the key highlights of this preparation phase was the inclusion of emerging talents from the domestic league into the national team setup. Coach Mai Duc Chung consistently called up young players who had impressed at the national championship, laying the groundwork for a seamless transition to the next generation. This was a crucial step in ensuring the squad remains competitive as veteran players gradually step aside after years of success.
The Road to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup Begins
The primary focus for the Vietnam women’s national team in 2025 will be securing a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Their journey will commence with the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers, scheduled to take place from June 23 to July 5.
According to the latest FIFA rankings as of December 2024, Vietnam is ranked 6th in Asia and 37th in the world. This strong positioning should allow the team to avoid a particularly difficult group in the qualifiers, increasing their chances of advancing to the final tournament—the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026—which serves as the direct qualification pathway to the World Cup.
At the Asian Cup, the top six teams will secure direct entry to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, while the 7th and 8th place teams will compete in an intercontinental playoff for the remaining spots. Vietnam’s primary objective will be to finish in the top six and avoid the unpredictable nature of the playoff stage.
Regional Challenges: SEA Games and AFF Women’s Championship
Beyond their World Cup ambitions, the Vietnam women’s team will also be competing in two significant regional tournaments: the AFF Women’s Championship and the SEA Games. These tournaments, while continental in scale, serve as vital steppingstones in Vietnam’s preparation for tougher international battles.
Vietnam’s main regional rival has traditionally been Thailand, but emerging forces in Southeast Asian women’s football are rapidly reshaping the competitive landscape. Philippines and Indonesia have been actively bolstering their squads with naturalized players, particularly from Europe, to elevate their competitiveness.
The Philippines women’s team stunned the region by winning the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship, marking their emergence as a serious contender. Meanwhile, Indonesia is implementing an aggressive naturalization strategy, recruiting overseas-based players to strengthen their squad. These developments will pose greater challenges for Vietnam as they aim to maintain their regional supremacy.
Opportunities Amidst Rising Competition
While the growing strength of neighboring teams presents challenges, it also offers Vietnam the opportunity to face higher-quality opponents within the region. Increased competition will push the team to adapt, innovate, and elevate their performance levels, ultimately helping them prepare for tougher battles at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 and beyond.
With a meticulously planned roadmap, Vietnam’s women’s football team is gearing up for a pivotal 2025, where regional success, Asian Cup qualification, and the dream of returning to the FIFA Women’s World Cup for a second time will be the ultimate goals.
Leave a Reply