A flawless performance puts Vietnam in pole position for 2026 Asian Cup qualification.

Vietnam’s U20 women’s team kicks off preparations under Japanese coach Masahiko Okiyama.

Coach Mai Duc Chung says Vietnam is determined yet cautious as Group E qualifiers kick off.

Coach Mai Duc Chung has officially announced the 23-player squad for the Vietnam women’s national team, which will compete in Group E of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers, held in Viet Tri, Phu Tho from June 29 to July 5.

Held by the ASEAN Football Federation, the 2025 ASEAN U19 Women’s Championship features eight regional teams split into two groups, with matches played across four stadiums in Ho Chi Minh City through June 18.

The strategy focuses on professionalising women’s football at all levels, from domestic competitions and clubs to the national team, enhancing match quality, inspiring younger generations, developing female coaches and referees.

Despite the scoreline, the friendly match gave Vietnam’s players crucial international experience.

The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) announced the news on May 13, confirming Phu Tho and Hai Phong as competition venues for the games from August 6-19.

Co Ho footballer K Thua overcame poverty and prejudice to become a rising star in Asian women’s football.

These include the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers (Group E), the AFF U19 Women’s Championship 2025 and the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers.

Down 3-0 at halftime, Ho Chi Minh City roared back to secure a 5-4 victory and advance to the AFC Women’s Champions League semifinals.

Okiyama Masahiko, a Japanese coach with over three decades of experience in football, has been appointed as the new head coach of Vietnam's U17 and U20 women's football teams.