Vietnamese Football and the Hopeful Year of 2026

The year 2026 is expected to be a landmark period, packed with tests but also filled with aspirations for Vietnamese football, as national and youth squads step into significant tournaments across the region and continent.

From the U23 stage, futsal, women’s football to the men’s national team, each tournament holds its unique significance, contributing to shaping the status of Vietnamese football in this new era.

The year begins with the journey of Vietnam’s U23 team at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship, held from January 6 to 24. Right after achieving their goals at SEA Games 33, the young players face a continental-level challenge. Drawn in a group with U23 Jordan, U23 Kyrgyzstan, and host Saudi Arabia, Vietnam’s U23 team is seen as having a fair chance to compete for a knockout stage spot.

With a core of players born between 2003 and 2005, who have regularly gained experience in the V.League and various national team levels in recent years, fans have every reason to expect the young squad to leave a memorable mark, continuing the spirit of their runner-up achievement in 2018.

Shortly thereafter, Vietnam’s futsal team will participate in the 2026 AFC Futsal Championship, taking place from January 27 to February 7. The group featuring Thailand, Kuwait, and Lebanon is considered a tough challenge but still within the capabilities of Vietnam’s futsal squad. With lessons learned from SEA Games 33 and the long-term investment strategy of the Vietnam Football Federation, the goal of advancing past the group stage and going deeper into the Asian tournament is entirely achievable.

March 2026 marks a significant milestone for Vietnamese women’s football as the national women’s team competes in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, from March 1 to 21. Drawn in a group with India, Japan, and Chinese Taipei, the golden girls face a strong opportunity to fight for second place in the group, thereby securing a quarterfinal berth. This is not only an immediate goal but also an important stepping stone on the path to qualifying for the Women’s World Cup, with multiple scenarios open even if the team does not advance past the quarterfinals.

At the end of March, attention will focus on the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. If the AFC has not issued a decision regarding Malaysia, the match on March 31, 2026, could become a tense group final. Despite being at a disadvantage after a 0-4 loss in the first leg, this is also a chance for Vietnam’s national team to show resilience and the desire to overturn the situation, with the presence of experienced key players.

Mid-year, the 2026 AFF Cup, held from July 24 to August 26, will be the stage for Vietnam’s team to defend their reigning champion status. The return of important players along with new naturalized talents is expected to strengthen the squad’s depth, especially as regional rivals continue to improve.

Closing out 2026 is the ASIAD held in Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4. This will be the final youth tournament for the current U23 generation and an opportunity for young players to prove themselves on a big stage, aiming to match or even surpass the fourth-place finish at the 2018 ASIAD.

With a packed schedule and many important goals, 2026 is seen as a comprehensive test year for Vietnamese football, where resilience, squad depth, and long-term development strategies will be clearly evaluated.