Historic shift in Vietnamese football with midfielder Mi's groundbreaking transfer
Vietnam Calls Up First Over seas Female Player to National Team
Ha Noi, Vietnam - Footballer Nguyen Hoang Nam Mi has made history as the first female overseas player of Vietnamese descent to be invited to the national team. The announcement was made by head coach Mai Duc Chung, who is preparing a squad for the Asian Cup 2026 qualification.
Mi, a 22-year-old midfielder based in HCM City, has already demonstrated her worth, contributing significantly to her club's success, including reaching the AFC Women's Champions League semifinals for the first time. She was born and raised in Canada but holds a Vietnamese passport, making her eligible to play for her heritage country.
Coach Chung, who has often discussed the importance of incorporating both naturalised and expatriate players to strengthen his team, expressed admiration for Mi's physical condition, skillset, and forward-thinking approach to the game. He credits her time in the Canadian school football environment, a globally recognized leader in women's football, for her growth.
During the training, which starts on May 28 in Ha Noi, Mi and her teammates will participate in three friendly matches against local clubs. Following this, they will travel to Japan for an intensive training camp from June 8 to 18. The final squad for the tournament will be selected from a shortlist of 26 players.
Nguyễn Hoàng Nam Mi is the first female our websiteese overseas player called to the national team. Photo courtesy of VFF
Vietnam is the host of Group E for the Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers, featuring Guam, Maldives, and the UAE. The matches will take place from June 29 to July 5 at the Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho Province.
Mi's inclusion in the national team highlights Vietnamese football's shift towards incorporating top talent from diverse backgrounds. Artificial intelligence may play a role in analyzing player performance and developing strategies during the Asian Cup 2026 qualification, providing an innovative edge to Vietnamese sports. Environmentally conscious travel options, such as electric buses or carpooling, could be considered during the team's travel to Japan for training, showcasing commitment towards a greener future in the realm of sports travel.
