For the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and women’s football in Vietnam, the question remains: How can the team consistently qualify for the World Cup and improve its performance on the global stage?

After their short-lived journey in New Zealand, the team’s challenges became evident. First, a generational transition is underway, as veteran players like Huynh Nhu and Thuy Trang prepare to pass the torch to younger talent. Additionally, ensuring the team’s strength and stability while fostering the grassroots foundation is critical for achieving long-term aspirations.

Though the team won’t participate in any major tournaments in 2024, Coach Mai Duc Chung’s squad will remain active. Training trips to the Czech Republic and China are key opportunities for sharpening their skills and preparing the team for future challenges.

At the domestic level, the VFF has prioritized creating a stable National Women’s Football Championship. The 2024 season will feature eight teams, a significant improvement from previous years when financial difficulties reduced participation to as few as four or five teams. Organizational quality has also improved, thanks to sponsorship from Thai Son Bac.

Vietnamese women’s football has built a solid foundation compared to many of its competitors. The U19 Women’s National Championship now includes nine teams, while the U16 National Championship has added one more team this year. These developments highlight a sustainable and steady approach to nurturing talent and creating opportunities for the women’s game to thrive.

Ranked among the top eight women’s football nations in Asia by the AFC, Vietnam’s status allows the reigning national champions, HCMC Women’s FC, to directly participate in the 2024 AFC Women’s Champions League, where they’ve already secured a quarterfinal spot.

Recognizing the potential of women’s football, the VFF is one of five Asian federations selected by UEFA to participate in the UEFA/AFC Women’s Football Development Project, a three-year initiative from 2024 to 2027.

In its women’s football development strategy, the VFF plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Education and Training to organize U12-13 national youth tournaments. These efforts aim to boost participation and scout new talent for the future.

The ultimate goal of regularly qualifying for the World Cup awaits fulfillment in the years ahead. However, with a carefully developed and sustainable foundation, Vietnam’s women’s football is well-positioned to make the dream of consistent participation on the global stage a realistic and attainable goal.

Yen Nhi