Hanoi, Vietnam – The Vietnamese women’s national team faces a period of significant transition following their elimination from the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup and the subsequent departure of longtime head coach Mai Duc Chung. A 4-0 defeat to Japan on March 10th sealed their fate, dashing hopes of a second appearance at the Women’s World Cup. The loss, and Chung’s announcement that he would step down, has sparked a national conversation about the future of the sport in Vietnam.
The team finished third in Group C with three points and a -4 goal difference, falling short of qualification as one of the best third-placed teams. The result was particularly disheartening for fans, who had hoped for a stronger showing after previous successes under Chung’s leadership. The disappointment is compounded by the fact that both the Philippines and Uzbekistan, also finishing with three points, had a superior goal difference, securing their place in the next round.
Many readers of Tuoi Tre newspaper believe that the Vietnamese women’s national team needs many changes – Photo: AFC
A Dominant Japan and a Need for Change
The match against Japan highlighted the significant gap in quality between the two sides. As one Tuoi Tre reader, Vo, noted, “Japan is still the ‘king’ of Asian women’s football with a world-class style of play.” Japan’s squad boasts players competing in top European leagues, coupled with exceptional technical skill and tactical discipline. The Vietnamese team, whereas competitive, simply lacked the firepower and experience to challenge their opponents.
Even before the match, a sense of pessimism prevailed among fans. Another reader, Bao, commented that scoring even a single goal against Japan would have been a remarkable achievement. The focus, according to reader Binh, was on minimizing the goal difference, as that would be crucial in determining qualification as a third-placed team. The four-goal margin proved too much to overcome.
The End of an Era and Calls for a New Approach
Mai Duc Chung’s departure marks the end of a two-decade-long association with Vietnamese women’s football. He leaves behind a legacy of success, including multiple Southeast Asian championships and consistent qualification for major tournaments. However, many believe that a fresh perspective is now needed to propel the team forward.
Readers responding to Tuoi Tre were largely respectful of Chung’s contributions but acknowledged the need for change. “It’s time for Mr. Chung to retire and for us to uncover a suitable coach to revitalize the national team!” wrote one commenter, Dovantha. Another, Ngoc, expressed gratitude for Chung’s dedication but suggested that a new leader could bring fresh energy to the program.
However, the discussion extends beyond just the head coach position. Reader Nena Pham pointed to a deeper issue: a lack of emerging talent within the Vietnamese system. “The problem with Coach Chung is only part of the problem with women’s football,” she wrote. “The main problem is that our team is limited; People can’t add any young talents. With a weak squad, even the best coach can’t do anything.”
Building a Sustainable Future: Reform is Key
The consensus among observers is that a comprehensive overhaul of the Vietnamese women’s football program is necessary. This includes a greater emphasis on youth development, improved training facilities, and a more scientific approach to player preparation, and nutrition.
Reader Thong Nguyen emphasized the need for a more modern training regimen, stating, “The team needs a complete reform. Training and nutrition must be more scientific and improve physical fitness. That is the weakness that needs to be improved, not just enhanced.” Anh Vu echoed this sentiment, calling for a “revolution” from the coaching staff to the players themselves.
The physical conditioning of the team was a recurring theme in the discussions. Xuan Hong noted that Vietnam struggles to compete with stronger teams like India and Chinese Taipei due to a lack of stamina and endurance. Addressing this deficiency will be crucial if Vietnam hopes to consistently challenge for top honors in Asia.
Time for Mr. Mai Duc Chung to Rest
Following the defeat to the Japanese women’s football team on the afternoon of March 10th, coach Mai Duc Chung bid farewell to the Vietnamese women’s football team, stating he was pleased someone would replace him at the helm in the near future.
Many readers sent him farewell messages expressing sadness at his departure, as his retirement wasn’t a joyous occasion given the Vietnamese women’s football team’s recent heavy defeat and official elimination from the Asian Cup and upcoming Women’s World Cup. However, most readers agreed that Mr. Chung should retire, as the team needs new energy and a new leader.
“It would be best if you retired and took care of yourself, letting the younger generation move forward. The whole country has already appreciated your contribution,” noted one commenter.
A reader at dgon****@gmail.com agreed: “There should be a new coach and a new generation of players. Women’s football now also needs physical fitness and strength; we can’t keep relying on the skills and aggression of a few players on the team.”
What’s Next?
The immediate task for the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) is to appoint a new head coach. The selection process will be critical, as the new coach will be responsible for rebuilding the team and preparing for future competitions. Finding a candidate with a proven track record in developing young players and implementing a modern tactical approach will be paramount.
Beyond the coaching appointment, a long-term strategy for youth development is essential. Investing in grassroots programs, improving coaching education, and providing more opportunities for young players to compete at a high level will be crucial for ensuring the future success of Vietnamese women’s football. The focus must be on broadening the base of the pyramid, creating a larger pool of talent from which to draw.
The VFF will also need to address the financial challenges facing the sport. Securing greater investment from sponsors and government funding will be vital for providing the resources needed to support player development, improve infrastructure, and enhance the overall competitiveness of the team.
The next major tournament for the Vietnamese women’s national team is currently unconfirmed, but the focus will undoubtedly be on qualifying for the next Asian Cup and, the Women’s World Cup. The road ahead will be challenging, but with a clear vision, a dedicated coaching staff, and a commitment to youth development, Vietnam can once again become a force to be reckoned with in Asian women’s football.
Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates on the search for a new head coach and the future of Vietnamese women’s football.
What do you think Vietnam needs to do to improve its women’s football program? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
