Hanoi, 23 January 2026 – The Australian Embassy in Hanoi hosted a warm and celebratory send-off reception for the Vietnam Women’s National Football Team as they prepare to travel to Australia to compete in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, taking place from 1–21 March 2026.
The reception brought together players, coaching staff, leaders from the Vietnam Football Federation, representatives from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, diplomatic representatives from countries with competing teams, reflecting the strong people-to-people links between Australia and Vietnam.
Team Captain Huynh Nhu and the star players mingled with guests including Vietnam Football legend Ha Bon, Australian football legend Harry Kewell, now coach of the Hanoi Football Club and former women's soccer player Do Thi Ngoc Cham.
Ms Renée Deschamps, Charge d’Affaires a.i. from the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, said Australia is delighted to be hosting the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026. She congratulated the Vietnamese team on their qualification and highlighted the importance of sport as a bridge between the two countries.
“Football has a unique power to inspire, unite and bring people closer together. Australia is proud to welcome Vietnam’s women’s national team to compete on our home ground at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026. Your journey shows your determination, teamwork and the rising strength of women’s sport in our region,” Ms Renée said.
“This tournament is not only about competition, but also about friendship, respect and shared passion. We wish the team success in Australia and hope you play a part in bringing our countries even closer together,” Ms Renée emphasized.
Speaking at the event, Mr Nguyen Van Phu, General Secretary of the Vietnam Football Federation, expressed his sincere gratitude to the Australian Embassy for the warm, thoughtful, and friendly welcome extended to the Vietnamese women's national team ahead of the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup Finals.
“The Vietnam Football Federation respectfully acknowledges and deeply appreciates the close cooperation, active support, and genuine friendship extended by the Australian Government and the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, which gives the entire team confidence and fuels their aspiration to excel on the world stage,” Mr Nguyen Van Phu said.
We believe that, with serious preparation and the companionship and support of our international friends, the Vietnam Women’s National Football Team will enter the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup Finals with pride, professionalism, and a spirit of fair play—continuing to promote the positive values of Vietnamese football and sport,” Mr Nguyen Van Phu emphasized.
A highlight of the evening was a special toast by team representatives and VIP guests, marking Vietnam’s readiness to take part in one of Asia’s premier women’s football tournaments.
The atmosphere was further enlivened by a fun and interactive quiz, where players and guests tested their knowledge about Australia, Vietnam, and the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, adding a light-hearted and engaging touch to the celebration.
The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, hosted by Australia, will bring together the best women’s national teams from across Asia, showcasing world-class football and promoting the growth of women’s sport in the region. Twelve teams have qualified and games will be held in Perth, the Gold Coast and Sydney.
Australia and Vietnam continue to strengthen cooperation through sport, education and people-to-people exchanges. The relationship between the two countries reached new heights with the signing of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2024.
Imagery and video from the Send-off Reception can be found via this link: For MEDIA - Google Drive and https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jgACOtyNOQDqA0Azhy0KnYwOoG4mxRqk/view?usp=drivesdk
More information on the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 can be found here:
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Media contact
Ms Nguyen Le Trang, Senior Communications Officer
Tel: +84 24 3774 0216
Email: trangle.nguyen @dfat.gov.au