“Golden time” for Vietnam football's World Cup goal

Vietnam's football World Cup dream must always be based on youth football. Photo: Minh Hoang

On July 5, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Dao Cuong signed Decision No. 2368/QD-BVHTTDL, approving the Project on developing Vietnamese football until 2030, with a vision to 2045. The focus of the project is to change the foundation for national football development, in which the 2034 World Cup is identified as the biggest destination.

According to the strategic orientation, the goals of the Vietnamese teams are divided according to the roadmap: from Southeast Asia, reaching out to the continent and moving towards the world arena. Specifically, from now until 2034, the national team needs to achieve the goal of entering the third qualifying round of the 2030 World Cup, as a foundation to compete for a place in the 2034 World Cup finals.

Optimistic signs appeared under coach Park Hang Seo, when Vietnam participated in the third qualifying round of the 2022 World Cup for the first time. In the context that FIFA has expanded the number of teams participating in the World Cup to 48 teams since 2026, the opportunities for Asian teams have increased significantly. The event of Jordan and Uzbekistan participating in the 2026 World Cup for the first time is also a testament to the ability to realize the goal of Vietnamese football.

Experts believe that the period from 2025 to 2030 will play a key role in the journey to the world. This is the time for the national team to complete its squad, accumulate experience in high-level competitions and build the necessary qualities. In addition to the World Cup goal, the team also needs to ensure its participation in the 2031 Asian Cup to maintain its position in the continental arena, which was proven by reaching the quarter-finals of the 2019 Asian Cup.

However, big dreams can only come true if they are built on a solid foundation. The project of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism especially emphasizes the principle of sustainable development. Accordingly, in addition to improving achievements, Vietnamese football needs to invest long-term in youth training, develop a widespread football movement and improve the quality of academies and training centers.

While many countries in the region such as Malaysia or Indonesia are pushing to naturalize players to increase their short-term strength, Vietnam has determined not to follow that path. Although some naturalized players such as Xuan Son or Hendrio can make positive contributions, the widespread use of naturalized players is not suitable for cultural and economic conditions and goes against the overall development direction of the country's football.

Specific tasks in the project include: investing in a system of academies and clubs according to modern standards; encouraging the training of young players in localities; and enhancing the role of national training centers in preparing forces for international tournaments.

Before thinking about the World Cup, the prerequisite is that Vietnamese football must maintain stability at the Asian Cup and gradually approach the group of 10 strongest teams in Asia. When the foundation is strong enough, the aspiration to reach out to the world will no longer be too far away.

Lam Chi/VNA

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/thoi-diem-vang-cho-muc-tieu-world-cup-cua-bong-da-viet-nam-195639.htm