Coach Mai Đức Chung to continue leading the Vietnam women’s national team at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Finals
The decision was made based on a high level of consensus between the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and Coach Mai Đức Chung, stemming from the practical need for stability, continuity and succession in the coaching work—especially as the Vietnam women’s national team prepare to compete in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Finals, scheduled to take place in early March 2026 (with the results of the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup serving as the Asian qualification criteria for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup).
26/12/2025 15:04:57
After completing their duties at the 33rd SEA Games, the Vietnam women’s national team need to maintain stability in terms of professional expertise, playing style and team management in order to ensure the best possible preparation for the continental stage. According to the plan, in January 2026 the team will gather and hold a training camp in China, where they are expected to play two friendly matches. The team will then travel to Australia—the host nation of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026—for a second phase of training, including one friendly match before officially entering the tournament. With a relatively limited preparation timeframe, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) considers Coach Mai Đức Chung—an experienced coach with deep knowledge of Vietnamese women’s football and significant contributions over the years—the most suitable figure to continue leading the team during this crucial period.
Mr. Nguyễn Sỹ Hiển, Chairman of the National Coaches Council, assessed that appointing Coach Mai Đức Chung as head coach of the women’s national team at this time is the most appropriate choice, ensuring continuity in personnel, tactics and development orientation. This will help the team maximise the results already achieved while aiming for effective performances at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Finals. “He is a highly experienced coach with strong credibility within the women’s team. The players are very familiar with his philosophy and coaching methods, while the head coach himself has a clear understanding of each player’s abilities, mentality and characteristics,” Mr. Nguyễn Sỹ Hiển added.
Head coach Mai Đức Chung expressed his honour at continuing to receive the trust of the VFF, affirming that he, together with the coaching staff and players, will focus fully on preparation and strive to compete at the highest possible level at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Finals.
The VFF believes that, with stability on the coaching bench and thorough, well-structured preparation, the Vietnam women’s national team will continue to promote unity, resilience and ambition, thereby further asserting the position of Vietnamese women’s football on the continental stage.
