Cambodian football aims to qualify for the World Cup.

The Football Federation of Cambodia (FFC) has just outlined an ambitious long-term development plan. Its biggest goal is to have the national team qualify for the FIFA World Cup finals in 2042 or 2046.

Cambodian football has high ambitions - Photo: FFC

General Sao Sokha, President of the FFC, recently unveiled a plan to elevate Cambodian football at the 20th FFC Congress. This roadmap is divided into three specific milestones:

2028 or 2030: Reach the semi-finals of the Southeast Asian Football Championship (ASEAN Cup).

2032 (period 2031-2035): Qualify to participate in the Asian Cup Finals.

2042 or 2046: Realizing the dream of qualifying for the World Cup finals.

Despite setting a very long-term vision, the head of Cambodian football maintains a realistic perspective. General Sao Sokha frankly proposed that all members of the federation consider three core elements to achieve the goal:

Firstly, human resources: The players and coaching staff are the foundation that determines success or failure. Cambodian football needs to honestly assess the quality of its current personnel to see if it has the capacity to meet its goals in the coming years.

Secondly, there's the issue of time and realistic capabilities : The Cambodian national team is currently ranked only 8th in Southeast Asia. The challenge is how, within that limited timeframe, Cambodian football can close the gap and become competitive enough to compete at a larger continental level.

Thirdly, there is the issue of financial resources: The FFC chairman emphasized that football cannot develop without money. He acknowledged that generating revenue from football in Cambodia for reinvestment is currently not feasible. Even maintaining the stadiums built with state funds is proving difficult.

However, the Cambodian Football Federation (FFC) insists that these targets are not just for show. The FFC is committed to developing a clear work schedule.

Also at this congress, in the presence of representatives from FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the Southeast Asian Football Federation (AFF), and 36 domestic delegates, General Sao Sokha received unanimous support to continue serving as President of the FFC for the 2026-2030 term.

THANH DINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/bong-da-campuchia-dat-tham-vong-du-world-cup-20260222145845305.htm