Hanoi, April 24, 2025 – The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) has entrusted the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) with hosting the 2025 AFF Women’s Championship, scheduled for August 6-19, 2025. Hai Phong, chosen to stage Vietnam’s group-stage matches, will welcome eight Southeast Asian women’s national teams, marking its fourth major football tournament in recent years and cementing its status as a regional hub.
Hai Phong’s selection follows its successful hosting of three key events: the Group E qualifiers for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in March 2025, where Vietnam trounced Nepal 4-0; the qualifiers for the 2026 AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup in April, securing a finals berth; and the 2025 AFF U19 Women’s Championship in February, where Vietnam’s youth clinched bronze. The VFF lauded Hai Phong’s infrastructure, highlighting the 30,000-seat Lach Tray Stadium, a cutting-edge training complex near Rao 2 Bridge in Le Chan District, and facilities rivaling The Cong Viettel’s training base. The city’s experience, seen in the 2022 AFC Champions League for Hoang Anh Gia Lai, ensures seamless operations, backed by fans as passionate as Hanoi Police FC’s supporters.
Hosting Vietnam’s group—likely featuring Thailand or Indonesia—offers Hai Phong a platform to showcase its coastal vibrancy and boost tourism, with Lach Tray expected to draw 20,000 per match. The tournament, Vietnam’s chance to reclaim the AFF crown after Thailand’s 2022 triumph, aligns with their 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup ambitions. Coach Mai Duc Chung’s squad, led by Ho Chi Minh City FC’s Huynh Nhu, will harness home support to chase a ninth title, building on their 2023 silver medal (2-1 loss to the Philippines).
Hai Phong’s role reflects its growing football stature, mirroring Song Lam Nghe An’s regional academies. Local authorities, per VFF reports, have committed to robust logistics and security, ensuring a festival-like atmosphere. The event, split between Hai Phong and a second venue (pending announcement), features two groups of four, with semifinals and a final on August 19. Vietnam’s campaign carries national pride, akin to Hanoi’s 2024 ASEAN Cup victory, with Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha’s flair expected to shine.
The AFF Women’s Championship, Hai Phong’s fourth major hosting stint, underscores Vietnam’s investment in women’s football, paralleling Hoang Anh Gia Lai’s youth programs. Social media buzz predicts a packed Lach Tray, fueled by the “cauldron” atmosphere that powered Vietnam’s 2019 SEA Games gold. As the VFF eyes a record-extending title, Hai Phong’s legacy as a football stronghold—rivaling Bangkok’s Rajamangala—grows, promising a vibrant showcase for Southeast Asia.
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