The AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 finals, taking place in early March, will decide the team's dream of qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup. The desire to participate in the Women's World Cup once again remains strong, but the challenges ahead are greater than ever.
A source of spiritual strength and a burning desire to recreate the miracle.
In 2022, in India, coach Mai Duc Chung and his team wrote a fairytale story amidst countless adversities. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic severely depleted the squad, at times lacking the required number of registered players. However, with unwavering determination and a never-give-up spirit, the Vietnamese women's national team advanced through the group stage, entered the play-off round, and secured a historic ticket to the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 after defeating Taiwan (China).
That victory is considered a historic milestone for Vietnamese football, a symbol of the team's resilience in turning difficulties into motivation. That glorious memory has become a spiritual foundation throughout the team's journey.
However, after the milestone of qualifying for the 2023 World Cup, the Vietnam Football Federation and the coaching staff determined that they could not be complacent with temporary success. The challenge was to refresh the squad while maintaining stability in playing style and competitive spirit. The rejuvenation process was implemented cautiously, gradually giving opportunities to new faces, while retaining a core group of experienced players, aiming for qualification for the 2027 Women's World Cup.
In a recent statement, coach Mai Duc Chung said: "Over the past period, we have been simultaneously pursuing two goals: rejuvenating the squad and aiming for the important goal of having the opportunity to participate in the World Cup."
The Vietnam Football Federation's continued trust in coach Mai Duc Chung for the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup is considered a strategic decision. With less than ideal preparation time (over 3 months) since the SEA Games 33, his understanding of the team's strengths, battlefield experience, and reputation are key factors in reassuring the players, maintaining their training and playing rhythm according to his familiar philosophy.
Expert Phan Anh Tú believes that at this crucial stage, continuity is paramount. He stated: “The Vietnamese women's national team is not lacking in ambition, but to turn that ambition into results, a solid organizational foundation and strong mentality are needed. Retaining coach Mai Đức Chung ensures stability during this sensitive period for the team.”
Training without rest
The Vietnamese women's national team has concretized its aspiration to participate in the 2027 Women's World Cup through action. Most notably, the entire team only had two days off during the Lunar New Year holiday before regrouping on the second day of the holiday, when many were still spending time with their families.
Prior to this, the Vietnam Football Federation arranged for the team to have a training camp in Shenzhen (China). Two high-quality practice matches against the Chinese women's national team provided many valuable lessons. It wasn't simply a test of the lineup; it was also an opportunity for the coaching staff to assess the abilities of young players and evaluate their tactical execution under high pressure.
Striker Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha, who scored the only goal for the national team in the two friendly matches, frankly admitted: "Matches like these help the whole team better understand their limits."
In fact, the real challenge awaits from the group stage of the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026, which also serves as the qualifying round for the 2027 Women's World Cup. The Vietnamese women's team is in Group C along with India, Taiwan (China), and especially Japan – one of the top teams in Asia. Having to face Japan in the final match puts considerable pressure on them, as their opponent consistently maintains a high level of skill and experience in major tournaments.
Coach Mai Duc Chung also acknowledged the disparity, stating that Japan is superior in terms of skill. The remaining three teams will compete fiercely for a spot in the next round, meaning every match in the group stage will be a "final."
However, it is precisely in difficult circumstances that the resilience of the Vietnamese women's national team is often clearly demonstrated. From overcoming the pandemic in 2022 to boldly rejuvenating the squad after the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, the team has repeatedly proven its adaptability and ability to rise to the occasion. The team's aspiration is no longer just to "participate," but to assert its position.
The journey at the 2026 Asian Championship is not just a race for a World Cup ticket, but also a test of the character and ambition of a generation wanting to continue the dream of a second World Cup appearance for Vietnamese women's football. In reality, the team has received the best possible investment for national teams in Vietnam. The story now hinges on the efforts of the players and coaches, as well as a bit of luck.
Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/doi-tuyen-bong-da-nu-viet-nam-hy-vong-viet-tiep-giac-mo-world-cup-735376.html
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