OFFICIAL: Coach Mai Đức Chung continues to lead the Vietnam women's national team

Importantly, the national women's team will enter the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup final stage—a tournament of great significance as its results will be used to determine Asia's representatives for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. The event is expected to take place in early March 2026.

After fulfilling their duties at the 33rd SEA Games, the Vietnam women's team must continue to maintain stability in technical skills, playing style, and management to ensure the best possible preparation for the continental competition.

According to the plan, in January 2026, the Vietnam women's football team will convene and train in China, with two friendly matches planned. Then, the team will move to Australia, the host nation of the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup, for a second training phase including one friendly match before officially starting the tournament.

Given the limited preparation time, Coach Mai Đức Chung—an experienced coach with deep understanding of Vietnamese women's football and many important contributions over recent times—is evaluated by the VFF as the most suitable choice to continue leading the team during this crucial phase.

Mr. Nguyễn Sỹ Hiển, Chairman of the National Coaches Council, believes that having Coach Mai Đức Chung in charge as head coach of the national women's team at this moment is the most reasonable choice, ensuring continuity in player personnel, tactics, and development direction. This will help the team maximize its achievements and aim for effective competition at the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup.

“He is a highly experienced coach with great prestige among the women's team. The players have a strong understanding of the head coach's philosophy and training methods, while he himself clearly knows each player's ability, mentality, and characteristics,” shared Mr. Nguyễn Sỹ Hiển.

On his part, Coach Mai Đức Chung expressed his honor to continue receiving the trust of the VFF and affirmed that together with the coaching staff and players, they will fully focus on preparation, determined to achieve the highest performance at the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup.

The VFF believes that with stability on the coaching bench and thorough, careful preparation, the Vietnam women's football team will continue to demonstrate unity, resilience, and ambition to rise, thereby asserting the position of Vietnamese women's football on the continental stage.

At the 2026 Asian Cup, the Vietnam women's football team is placed in Group C alongside Japan, India, and Chinese Taipei.

Coach Mai Đức Chung said: "In my assessment, Japan remains the strongest team in Asia. I expect them to top Group C.

The Vietnam team will have to compete for second place with the other two opponents, India and Chinese Taipei. These teams are strong and will pose difficult challenges. We need to prepare very carefully and have great determination for the upcoming tournament."