The draw promises early fireworks as Vietnam, under the guidance of head coach Mai Duc Chung, will immediately face their archrivals Thailand. However, both teams are considered favorites to progress from Group A, with Indonesia and Cambodia seen as underdogs in the group.

Group B comprises the Philippines, Myanmar, Australia, and Timor-Leste. In that bracket, Australia, the Philippines, and Myanmar are expected to vie for the two semifinal spots, with Timor-Leste likely outmatched.

The 2025 AFF Women’s Championship is scheduled to take place from August 6 to 19. Matches will be held at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho and Lach Tray Stadium in Hai Phong. Host nation Vietnam will play all three of their group-stage matches in Viet Tri.

According to the tournament format, the top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals. The winner of Group A will face the runner-up of Group B, and vice versa.

Currently, the Vietnamese squad is training in Japan to prepare for both the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers and the upcoming Southeast Asian championship. With home advantage and strong preparations, the team is aiming to lift the trophy on their own turf.

Dai Nam