A major challenge before the match begins.

A major challenge before the match begins.

The AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 finals are not only a continental competition, but also a crucial gateway to securing a ticket to the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027. For the Vietnamese women's national team, this is a continuation of their World Cup dream, and a comprehensive test of their character, squad depth, and ability to compete at a high level.

The Vietnamese women's national team players focused on tactical training and teamwork during a practice session in Perth, Australia, completing the final preparations ahead of the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026. Photo: VFF.

Under the leadership of Mai Duc Chung, the national team is maintaining a stable physical condition and high concentration during their training camp in Perth, Australia. According to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), training sessions are structured with appropriate intensity, focusing on perfecting tactical organization, the ability to transition between phases, and cohesion between lines. The coaching staff also holds professional meetings, meticulously analyzing video footage of each opponent's playing style, thereby adjusting any shortcomings in each position.

According to the schedule, the Vietnamese women's national team will face India in their opening match, followed by matches against Taiwan (China) and Japan in the group stage of the 2026 Asian Cup. The team's matches are scheduled to take place in the evening (Australian local time), corresponding to afternoon and evening in Vietnam. This is considered a crucial stage, as only the best-performing teams will advance, opening up opportunities to compete for a spot in the 2027 World Cup.

The biggest challenge comes not only from the packed schedule, but also from the balance of power. Japan is still considered a strong contender for the championship, while India and Taiwan (China) have both shown significant improvement in recent years. In a short and highly competitive tournament, any mistake can directly impact the group standings.

Furthermore, the gap in physique, speed, and international competition intensity compared to the leading women's football nations in the continent remains a challenge for the Vietnamese women's national team. While many teams possess developed professional league systems, Vietnamese players primarily compete domestically, lacking the necessary international exposure. This requires the entire team to maximize tactical discipline, team spirit, and the ability to capitalize on opportunities.

Midfielder Bich Thuy actively trained with the Vietnamese women's national team in Perth, Australia, on the afternoon of March 2nd. Photo: VFF.

Speaking on the sidelines of the afternoon training session on March 2nd (local time) in Perth, Australia, midfielder Bich Thuy said that the whole team is in high spirits and ready for the tournament. She affirmed that she has fully recovered from a previous minor injury and is in top physical condition. The confidence of the key players is a positive sign as the team prepares for a series of crucial matches.

The 2026 Asian Cup is therefore not only a competition in terms of skill, but also a test of consistency and competitive spirit. To qualify for the 2027 World Cup, the Vietnamese women's national team must treat each group stage match as a "final," maintaining maximum concentration at every crucial moment. The road ahead is still fraught with challenges, but with serious preparation and a strong desire to excel, the team has grounds to hope to continue Vietnam's women's football journey to the World Cup.

Source: https://cand.com.vn/the-thao/thu-thach-lon-truoc-gio-xuat-tran-i798259/