Who can replace "Father" Chung in the Vietnam women's national team?

The renewal of Coach Mai Đức Chung's contract through the 2026 Asian Cup makes the question of who can take over "Father Chung's" position as head coach of the Vietnam women's national team even more pressing.

The head coach position of the Vietnam women's football team has once again become a topic of interest as Coach Mai Đức Chung decided to extend his contract by another 4 months with the VFF, instead of retiring after SEA Games 33 as initially planned. The coach, born in 1949, will continue to lead the team at the 2026 Women's Asian Cup, which also serves as the qualifying tournament for the 2027 Women's World Cup.

His continued presence is not merely a temporary solution. Over many decades, the coach affectionately called "Father Chung" by his players has left a profound mark both professionally and spiritually. From the historic qualification for the 2023 World Cup to successful SEA Games campaigns, his ability and reputation have made finding a replacement a challenging task.

In fact, this is not the first time he has reconsidered retirement. In 2022, after securing a spot in the 2023 Women's World Cup, he wanted to step down due to his age but was persuaded by the VFF to continue. After the tournament in Australia and New Zealand, he announced his farewell but returned again in May 2024. By the end of 2025, when his contract expires, a similar scenario is expected to repeat.

According to VFF leaders, extending the contract until the end of the 2026 Asian Cup aims to ensure continuity as preparation time is limited. However, the future beyond this point remains uncertain and depends on both professional factors and the health of the 76-year-old coach. The likelihood of another full cycle extension is considered low.

Alongside retaining Coach Chung, the VFF has also considered succession options. Coach Hoàng Văn Phúc has emerged as a strong candidate, having served as an assistant with the women's team during preparations for SEA Games 33, seen as a smooth transition. Previously, Coach Akira Ijiri was considered but was not chosen due to cooperation issues between the JFA and VFF.

Additionally, names like Văn Thị Thanh – the first Vietnamese female coach with a Pro AFC license – and Đoàn Thị Kim Chi, currently an assistant coach for the national team with club-level success, have been mentioned. However, finding someone capable of replacing "Father Chung" is not just about credentials or achievements, but also about understanding the team's psychology and maintaining the identity of a group bonded over many years.