Vietnamese football is gaining momentum for a rapid rise.

In 2026, Vietnamese football is expected to make a strong breakthrough. This is the time when the entire football system is accumulating energy, preparing for a rapid surge forward. The foundations for the dream of the 2034 World Cup and, more recently, the 2028 Olympics, are being laid, preparing the way for realizing major goals in the future.

Infrastructure system and rejuvenation strategy

To compete on the continental and global stage, Vietnamese football needs to understand that it cannot rely solely on the temporary brilliance of a generation (like the recent U23 team). Sustainable strength must come from a synchronized approach encompassing development planning, stable funding, a robust domestic league system, infrastructure, and especially youth training. We have yet to achieve balance in many aspects. Hanoi Police FC and Nam Dinh FC were eliminated early in the AFC Champions League Two; Thanh Hoa FC is struggling due to financial constraints; and the number of V-League players playing abroad is zero… But when will we ever achieve this balance?

Vietnamese football with the aspiration for sustainable development.

PHOTO: AFC

Therefore, looking at it more positively, a recent bright spot is the infrastructure investment picture, with mega-projects of world-class stadiums opening up great expectations. The commencement of the Olympic Sports City in Hanoi, with the highlight being the Trong Dong Stadium (capacity of 135,000 seats), the stadium in Hung Yen (60,000 seats) meeting the standards to host the World Cup, or the stadium project in the Rach Chiec area (Ho Chi Minh City) with a capacity of 70,000 seats, covered and air-conditioned… have demonstrated a long-term vision. These football "sanctuaries" are not only the face of the nation but also create momentum for Vietnamese football to develop accordingly, confidently hosting major tournaments.

Alongside infrastructure development is a strategy to scout and create opportunities for young talent. 2026 is considered a year of strategic investment in the U.17 and U.21 generations of players. The goal is no longer limited to Southeast Asian competitions; the Vietnamese U.17 team is receiving significant investment to compete fairly for a ticket to the U.17 World Cup. Meanwhile, the Vietnamese U.21 team, with its promising players, is being nurtured towards the 2028 Olympic qualifying campaign, with the crucial experience of competing in the 20th Asian Games (ASIAD 20) coming up.

Particularly under coach Kim Sang-sik, the Vietnamese national team at various levels has placed greater emphasis on players with strong physiques and fitness levels, sufficient to compete and meet the demands of modern football. This represents a fundamental shift in selection thinking.

Furthermore, boldly restructuring the Vietnamese national team in the context of regional rivals like Indonesia and Thailand beginning to change and invest heavily is also a necessary step. Besides key players like Hoang Duc, Quang Hai, Tuan Hai, and Xuan Son, Coach Kim will have to consider calling up newly naturalized players such as Do Phi Long, Do Hoang Hen, and Le Giang Patrik, combining them with talents from the U23 team like Dinh Bac and Thanh Nhan… This is seen as a forward-looking, future-oriented move.

A realistic roadmap for the World Cup vision.

The view of the Government , the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) is unanimous: Vietnamese football must boldly step beyond the regional level to experience the continental atmosphere, and from there, plan for further progress. In 2026, Vietnamese football has a busy schedule with crucial tournaments. The men's national team will not only focus on the 2026 AFF Cup (ASEAN Cup), but more importantly, on the race to the 2027 Asian Cup Finals. The fact that the VFF and coach Kim Sang-sik are not placing too much pressure on the 2030 World Cup is considered a cautious step aimed at focusing all efforts on nurturing a new generation of talent for the 2034 campaign, a time when current young players will reach the peak of their careers.

Currently, the rise of Indonesian football, and Thailand's efforts to rebuild its position, have put immense pressure on Vietnamese football. However, this is a high-stakes test of the mettle of the "Golden Star Warriors." Instead of focusing on their rivals or waiting for AFC sanctions against Malaysia, the Vietnamese team is choosing to concentrate on self-improvement. Persistently pursuing a modern playing style, making the most of naturalized players, overseas Vietnamese players, and the strength of the domestic league will be the driving force propelling Vietnamese football forward.

Besides men's football, women's football is also showing renewed vitality. After the valuable experience at the 2023 World Cup, the "diamond girls" are heading to the Asian Cup from March 1-21 in Australia with the goal not only of achieving a high ranking but also of competing fairly for a World Cup spot once again. In addition to strong teams like Japan, India and Taiwan are opponents that the Vietnamese women's team can absolutely overcome to reach the quarterfinals and at least secure a wildcard spot at the 2027 Women's World Cup. It seems that 2026 is the opportune time and a pivotal moment for Vietnamese football to best prepare for a long march towards bigger goals in the future.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bong-da-viet-nam-lay-da-phi-nuoc-dai-185260223200202207.htm