Vietnamese football is advancing faster than expected.

This event is an important opportunity for all members of the Vietnamese football community to review and comprehensively evaluate the results of activities in 2025; at the same time, to promote unity and responsibility, discuss, and agree on the direction and tasks for 2026.

In his opening remarks, Tran Quoc Tuan, President of the Vietnam Football Federation, stated: The year 2025 marked many significant milestones for Vietnamese football amid numerous challenges. Notably, for the first time in history, Vietnam qualified seven teams across different levels for the final rounds of Asian football competitions in 2025-2026, spanning men’s football, women’s football, futsal, and youth teams. This achievement reflects the depth of development and the effectiveness of the long-term investment strategy.

Attending and speaking at the Congress, Ms. Gayathry Chandra Mohan, FIFA’s Director of Member Associations Development, expressed deep admiration for the progress made by the Vietnam Football Federation in building and developing football in Vietnam. Especially at SEA Games 33, the Vietnam U22 team impressively defeated the host Thailand team to win the SEA Games 33 gold medal, a highly regarded accomplishment. FIFA representatives expressed hope that Vietnamese football will continue to achieve greater success in the future.

Regarding development directions, Ms. Gayathry Chandra Mohan noted that the Vietnam Football Federation has a very systematic and strong development plan, especially for youth national teams. According to her, Vietnamese football has consistently demonstrated excellent leadership at all levels, laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth. Currently, the Vietnam men’s national team ranks 107th on the FIFA World Ranking, and she believes that with the current momentum, Vietnamese football will soon return to the FIFA Top 100.

Ms. Gayathry Chandra Mohan also emphasized the outstanding leadership role of the Vietnam Football Federation in Southeast Asia, creating a clear and positive impact on national teams. Regionally, Vietnamese football is currently ranked second in Southeast Asia on the FIFA ranking and is not far from reaching the top position. At the Asian level, although there is still a long way to go, FIFA representatives affirmed that with existing plans and continuous efforts, Vietnamese football is progressing faster than anticipated.

“FIFA always pays significant attention and investment to Vietnamese football, especially through the FIFA Forward Fund, a project introduced and implemented by FIFA President Gianni Infantino since 2016. Through this program, many practical projects have been and are being carried out in Vietnam,” Ms. Gayathry Chandra Mohan added.

The Congress approved important reports, including: the 2025 work summary and 2026 task directions; the Executive Committee’s self-assessment report; reports on the national teams’ technical work; reports on organizing professional football competitions; audited financial reports; the 2026 budget plan; and agreed to amend and supplement Article 69 of the Vietnam Football Federation’s Charter.

At the Congress, delegates agreed to dismiss Mr. Cao Tien Doan from the position of Executive Committee member of the Vietnam Football Federation term IX according to the Charter regulations; meanwhile, the Executive Committee will remain at 16 members with no additional elections until the X Congress.

The Congress also agreed to terminate the membership of eight units: Yen Bai Football Federation, Binh Duong Football Federation, Quang Nam Club, Hoa Binh Club, Phu Tho Club, Dong Nai Club, Tien Giang Club, and Savinest Khanh Hoa Futsal Club; and admitted three new members: Xuan Thien Phu Tho Club, Quang Ninh Club, and Bac Ninh Club.