Future Prospects for Vietnam’s Women’s Football

The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) faces the challenge of finding ways for the women’s national team to qualify consistently for the World Cup and enhance their performance internationally.

After a brief campaign in New Zealand, it became clear that the team is undergoing a generational shift, with experienced players like Huynh Nhu and Thuy Trang getting ready to pass the baton to emerging talents. It is essential to maintain a solid team structure while developing grassroots programs to fulfill long-term goals.

Although there are no major competitions for them in 2024, Coach Mai Duc Chung’s team will stay active through training excursions in the Czech Republic and China, which will help enhance their skills for future events.

Domestically, the VFF is focused on establishing a robust National Women’s Football Championship. The upcoming 2024 season will see eight teams participating, an improvement compared to previous years when financial struggles led to only four or five teams competing. The overall organization has received a boost, particularly from sponsorship by Thai Son Bac.

Vietnamese women’s football has established a strong foundation relative to numerous rivals. The U19 Women’s National Championship now features nine teams, and the U16 National Championship has expanded by an additional team this year. Such growth demonstrates a sustainable commitment to developing talent and expanding opportunities for women’s football.

Ranked among Asia’s top eight women’s footballing nations by the AFC, Vietnam’s premier team, HCMC Women’s FC, will compete directly in the 2024 AFC Women’s Champions League, where they have already earned a place in the quarterfinals.

The VFF recognizes the potential of women’s football and is one of five Asian federations chosen by UEFA to join the UEFA/AFC Women’s Football Development Project, a three-year program starting in 2024 and concluding in 2027.

In its women’s football strategy, VFF aims to work alongside the Ministry of Education and Training to host national youth tournaments for U12-13 categories, which will help increase engagement and identify new talent for the future.

With the goal of consistently qualifying for the World Cup ahead, Vietnam’s women’s football has a solid foundation that offers a promising outlook for achieving consistent global participation in the coming years.