AFC's surprising assessment of Vietnam women's national team's group

AFC regards the Vietnam women's national team's group at the 2026 Asian Cup finals as highly captivating.

Starting from March 1, the 2026 Women's Asian Cup finals will officially kick off in Australia. In this tournament, Vietnam women's team is placed in Group C alongside very strong opponents: Japan, Taiwan, and India.

According to the schedule, in the opening match, Vietnam women's team will face India on March 4, while Japan will play against Taiwan. AFC evaluates this group as very thrilling due to the presence of two former champions and other teams that are rapidly improving in the continent.

"In Group C, an exciting clash between two former champions, Japan and Taiwan,will take place at Perth Stadium on March 4," AFC wrote.

"The Nadeshiko team is aiming for their third title but must first overcome East Asian rivals, who, despite winning this tournament three consecutive times from 1977 to 1981, have since seen their dominance decline."

"At the same venue, the other two teams in Group C are Vietnam and India, who will face each other at 7 PM. The Southeast Asian team, having participated in every final since 1999, has only advanced past the group stage twice and is looking to improve on their quarterfinal achievement in 2022.

Meanwhile, India, runners-up in 1980 and 1983 and making their first final appearance thanks to impressive results, will aim to secure a quarterfinal spot and make up for their unfortunate elimination on home soil last time."