Looking back at Vietnam Women's National Team at SEA Games 33: Regretful!

The Vietnam women's team wrapped up SEA Games 33 with encouraging results and a focus on what lies ahead.

The Vietnam women's team finished their journey at SEA Games 33 with a Silver Medal, following matches full of effort, resilience, and a strong fighting spirit. Although they were unable to successfully defend their championship title as hoped, this result still reinforces the position, competitiveness, and professional image of Vietnamese women's football amid rising standards and investment in regional women's teams.

Well-structured preparation and long-term investment

In 2025, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) implemented a comprehensive, scientific, and long-term preparation plan for the national women's team, closely linking the SEA Games 33 objectives with important continental competitions. The team was provided with optimal training facilities, nutrition regimes, modern sports medicine, as well as high-quality training and international matches.

Domestic training camps combined with a specialized training trip to Japan, alongside a series of friendlies against strong Asian and European opponents, helped the team maintain fitness, improve skills, and gain international match experience. A clear outcome of this preparation was the qualification for the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup finals, which also laid an important foundation for SEA Games 33.

Alongside the national team, the VFF persistently continued long-term development programs for youth women's national teams, especially the U14 and U16 squads, aiming to build sustainable future talent. From this systematic and continuous training model, many players have matured, proven their abilities, and contributed positively to the national team, such as Bich Thuy, Thanh Nha, and Vu Thi Hoa. This clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of the long-term investment strategy, focusing on youth development as the foundation for stable growth in Vietnamese women's football.

Showing resilience amid many challenges

Entering SEA Games 33, the Vietnam women's team faced difficulties with key experienced players missing due to injuries or moving into coaching roles. During this generational transition, the coaching staff boldly gave opportunities to many young players, allowing them to gain experience, gradually integrate, and develop in a high-level competitive environment.

At the tournament, the Vietnam women's team performed steadily in the group stage, advanced to the semifinals, and secured a convincing win to reach the final against the Philippines. This journey continued to showcase team unity, tactical discipline, persistent fighting spirit, and resilience — core values that have defined Vietnamese women's football for many years.

The Silver Medal holds significant meaning

The SEA Games 33 Silver Medal is not only a sporting achievement but also carries important significance in the sustainable development path of Vietnamese women's football. This success reflects the depth of the squad, adaptability amid increasing regional competition, and clearly shows the effectiveness of systematic, planned, and visionary investment.

More importantly, SEA Games 33 has become a necessary stepping stone for the Vietnam women's team to continue strengthening the squad, gaining experience, and aiming for greater goals at the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup finals and other international tournaments in the near future.

With a solid foundation built, close attention and guidance from the VFF, along with support from partners and fans, the Vietnam women's team has every reason to maintain its regional standing, gradually reach continental levels, and affirm its image as a professional, ambitious, and forward-looking collective.