Vietnam’s representative receives a major boost at the continental football tournament

The Ho Chi Minh City women’s football club received positive news when Abu Dhabi Country Club suddenly pulled out of the 2025/2026 AFC Women’s Champions League, easing their path by eliminating a formidable opponent early on.

According to the latest announcement from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Abu Dhabi Country Club, representing the UAE, has withdrawn from the continent’s most prestigious club competition for women’s football, despite having a direct spot in the group stage. The reason for their withdrawal was not disclosed. This comes as a major surprise, as Abu Dhabi had previously been considered a tough challenger in this arena.

With the UAE team’s exit, their group stage slot will be given to the best-performing runner-up from the qualifying round. As a result, six teams are now confirmed for the group stage: Melbourne City (Australia), Suwon (South Korea), Tokyo Verdy Beleza (Japan), Wuhan (China), Bam Khatoon (Iran), and Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC (Vietnam). Meanwhile, nineteen other clubs will compete in the qualifiers from August 25 to 31 to determine five group winners and the top runner-up who will also advance.

The departure of Abu Dhabi Country Club clearly provides a significant advantage for Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC. Last season, they faced this UAE team and struggled to secure a 5-4 victory after trailing 0-3 at home. Losing a strong rival makes coach Doan Thi Kim Chi’s journey in this year’s tournament smoother.

The 2025/2026 AFC Women’s Champions League group stage will kick off in November 2025. This marks the second consecutive year that Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC represents Vietnam in the tournament. With a squad blending youth and seasoned players, the Vietnamese side is hopeful of advancing further than they did last season.

Abu Dhabi Country Club’s withdrawal not only changes the landscape of the tournament but also opens up opportunities for other teams to assert their status. For Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC, this is an opportune moment to seize the chance and aim for a new milestone, thereby elevating the image of Vietnamese women’s football on the continental stage.

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