Australian media highly praises the persistent spirit of the Vietnamese women's national team.

According to a VNA correspondent in Sydney, the article emphasizes that this tournament is not only a continental competition but is also seen as a "gateway" to the 2027 Women's World Cup. After making their debut at this world-class event in 2023, Vietnamese women's football now harbors the ambition to replicate that feat and affirm their position on the global football map.

Experts assess that the current success is the result of over 20 years of quiet yet steadfast development. Instead of pursuing rapid growth, Vietnamese women's football chose a more secure path: investing in youth training, maintaining stability, and preparing the next generation of players. At the most recent SEA Games held in Thailand, nearly 50% of the squad was refreshed with young players, yet performance remained solid, demonstrating squad depth and the effectiveness of the training system.

In a context where men's football still holds significant commercial and media dominance in Vietnam, women's football has developed more modestly, with the national championship featuring only 6-8 clubs. However, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has remained committed to a sustainable development strategy: prioritizing the enhancement of youth training quality, increasing international exposure, and building long-term pathways for players instead of hastily expanding the scale.

Building on that foundation, the current training system has become more structured and professional. Top clubs now have youth team systems, creating a clear pathway for players to progress to the national team. The scouting network has been expanded, youth coaching is emphasized, and the management and tracking of player development are conducted in a more long-term and scientific manner.

Over the past 20 years, the Vietnamese women's national team has been one of the most successful squads in Southeast Asia, winning 8 SEA Games gold medals since 2001 and 3 AFF Cup titles. The most memorable milestone was securing a ticket to the 2023 World Cup – the first time in the history of Vietnamese women's football to participate in the world stage. Although they could not advance far, competing in the tournament provided the team with valuable experience and raised professional standards.

Head coach Mai Duc Chung acknowledges that Vietnamese women's football currently belongs to Asia's second tier, behind powerhouses like Japan, North Korea, Australia, and South Korea. According to him, to achieve positive results, the entire team must maintain a high level of determination and give maximum effort in every match.

At the ongoing 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup finals in Australia, Vietnam is in Group C alongside Japan, Chinese Taipei, and India. Experts assess that the goal of reaching the Quarter-finals for Coach Mai Duc Chung and his team is feasible. If they advance to the Semi-finals, the team will secure a direct spot at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. If they stop at the Quarter-finals, this opportunity remains through the play-off round, as the 5th or 6th overall position may still qualify.

Reflecting on previous continental campaigns, particularly the challenging 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup in India, Coach Mai Duc Chung believes the team has matured significantly. He stressed: "At this level, every team invests heavily and raises its standards. To achieve our goals, we must compete squarely with everyone."

Beyond technical aspects, the strategist also highly values the role of fans, especially the Vietnamese community in Australia. Their support from the stands while playing away from home will boost the players' confidence and motivation. The entire team affirms they will give their utmost effort for the colors of the flag and national pride.