Expansion of the World Cup: A significant shift in women's soccer global landscape
FIFA's Decision to Expand Women's World Cup to 48 Teams Opens Opportunities for Vietnam
Illustration by Trịnh Lập
In a landmark move for women's football, FIFA has approved a proposal to extend the Women's World Cup finals from 2031, increasing the number of participating teams from the current 32 to 48. This decision presents a significant opportunity for Vietnam's national team, known as the "Golden Girls," aiming to shine on the global stage.
Women's football, despite a shorter history than its male counterpart, has made remarkable strides since its debut in the 1991 World Cup. The tournament has undergone expansion over the years, with 24 teams participating in the 2015 World Cup and 32 teams competing in the 2023 tournament co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, marking Vietnam's inaugural appearance.
Under the guidance of coach Mai Đức Chung, Vietnam secured their spot in the 2023 World Cup, showcasing their skills in the AFC Women's Asian Cup. This achievement was not only a historic moment for Vietnamese football but also sparked greater interest and support for women's sports in the country.
The 2031 Women's World Cup, set to take place in the United States, will consist of 12 groups and 104 matches, similar to the 2026 men's competition. Although this expansion raises concerns about player health and the potential for mismatched games, the thrilling performances at the 2023 World Cup demonstrate that women's football continues to thrive.
The expanded World Cup format opens doors for emerging teams like Vietnam. However, to capitalize on this opportunity, the national team must focus on improving their physical training and experience. Currently, players participate in only 13-15 matches per year at the club level, thus limiting their development. Additionally, the lack of advanced training facilities and resources is another hurdle.
As the next generation of players struggles to break through, Vietnam's women's football is exploring player naturalisation as a means to boost competitiveness. However, this path poses challenges, as talented players like Chelsea Lê and Trâm Anh encounter bureaucratic delays in obtaining citizenship.
While focusing on diasporic players is essential, Vietnam also needs a robust domestic league, increased investment from businesses, and a revamped youth training system. Major corporations should recognize the potential for growth in women's football and invest in clubs, academies, and facilities.
With the 2031 World Cup on the horizon, Vietnam's women's football faces an exciting journey. To seize this opportunity, a comprehensive strategy is crucial: improving the national women's tournament, investing in youth development, expanding coaching education, and providing more international competition opportunities.
The "Golden Girls" have captured the hearts of fans, inspiring a new generation of players. With the expanded World Cup, the potential for growth in Vietnamese women's football is immense. If the right steps are taken, the dream of competing in the World Cup could become a reality. VNS
[1] This expansion comes after FIFA President Gianni Infantino's announcement of the intention to expand the tournament during the 2015 World Cup. The expansion presents more opportunities for FIFA member associations to develop their women's football structures.
[2] The increased number of participating teams may narrow the gap between traditional football powers and smaller or developing football nations, motivating countries like Vietnam to invest more in the women's game and improve their competitiveness on the world stage.
Illustration by Trịnh Lập
[3] Vietnam's national squad relies heavily on seasoned players like Huỳnh Như and Bích Thùy, who are nearing the end of their careers. To address this, focus should be given to nurturing youth talent and enhancing the club system.
- The expansion of the Women's World Cup to 48 teams by FIFA, opening opportunities for Vietnam's national team, has sparked a focus on improving their physical training and experience since the current players only participate in 13-15 matches per year at the club level.
- As the potential for growth in Vietnamese women's football increases with the expanded World Cup, partnerships with businesses are crucial for investing in clubs, academies, and facilities to enhance the development of young players and boost competitiveness.
- With education being key to success, Vietnam could explore advanced training methodologies, leveraging AI-driven sports-analysis tools to analyze their opponents' strategies and improve their own gameplay, increasing the chances of a successful World Cup bid.
- In the spirit of long-term growth for women's football in Vietnam, the modernization of the domestic league, revamping the youth training system, and expanding coaching education will aid in creating a comprehensive strategy to capitalize on the opportunities offered by the expanded World Cup.
