Coach Mai Duc Chung: 'Vietnam team wants to go to the World Cup again'

The Vietnam women's national football team has completed preparations for the 2026 Asian Cup finals, and coach Mai Duc Chung along with the whole team aim to perform well to secure another World Cup qualification.

"Up to now, I am very pleased that the training plan I implemented over the past month has been well responded to and executed by the players.

I am also glad that some key players have recovered from injuries and returned to training and competition with the team.

Nothing brings more joy and comfort than seeing athletes regain their health and form to compete.

I can confirm that the Vietnam team has achieved 100% readiness in spirit and physical condition for the upcoming tournament. The coaching staff has also selected the main squad for the 2026 Asian Cup," shared coach Mai Duc Chung before this afternoon's training session on February 26 at the VFF Youth Training Center.

Mr. Chung added: "If there are any doubts or concerns, personally, I expect even more from the Vietnam team.

However, the Vietnam women's national football team has certain limitations that we cannot change. For example, I wish for taller, stronger, and more technically skilled players.

But the current squad is what we have. We will adapt and do our utmost to compete in the Asian Cup.

China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia are the top teams in Asia. The Vietnam Football Federation has facilitated our training camp and matches in China, which has been very beneficial.

The Vietnam team has competed against stronger opponents for experience, and in the upcoming matches against Japan or other strong teams later in the tournament, we need matches like the recent one against China to learn from.

I always hope for the Vietnam women's team players to be in excellent health and free from injuries to perform well.

I also hope that fans at home and abroad, as well as journalists, will continue to support the women's national football team.

With high determination, we will strive to give our all for the national flag and jersey.

Among the three opponents in our group, Japan is the strongest, followed by India and Chinese Taipei, whose levels are quite similar to ours.

The Vietnam team must be fully determined and make every effort to advance. Japan is stronger, but we still have our own tactics to face them and deliver our best performance. I will have specific and detailed strategies for each opponent. In my view, the opportunity is equal for all, but the team that tries harder and has more luck will progress to the next round.

The Vietnam women's national football team is full of desire and dedication, with older players still giving their all. The whole team hopes to qualify for the World Cup once more.

This journey is more challenging as the Vietnam team is missing Chuong Thi Kieu and Nguyen Thi Van due to injuries. Fortunately, Duong Thi Van has returned.

The Vietnam women's team is not afraid of sacrifice or hardship, no matter where they compete."

Today, the coaching staff officially finalized the list of 26 players for the Vietnam women's team participating in the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup finals.

Notably, forward Nguyen Thi Tuyet Ngan (HCMC Women's Football Club) has been added to the list and joined the team from February 18, 2026, replacing previously injured players and strengthening the team's attacking power.

In the 2026 Women's Asian Cup, the Vietnam women's team will play their Group C matches at Perth Rectangular Stadium in Perth, facing India (March 4), Chinese Taipei (March 7), and Japan (March 10).

The top two teams from each group and the two best third-placed teams will advance to the quarter-finals.