Vietnam’s historic qualification for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 topped the vote with 24% of total ballots cast, edging hosts Australia at 23%, while Thailand finished third with 11%.

The poll formed part of the AFC’s media campaign ahead of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, which will kick off in Australia in early March. Under the theme “Epic Moments,” the AFC shortlisted nine historic highlights from the tournament’s history, including Vietnam’s achievement in the World Cup qualifying campaign.

The AFC described Vietnam’s accomplishment as overcoming adversity under immense pressure, referring to the team’s performance under head coach Mai Duc Chung during the play-off stage of the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which also served as qualification for the 2023 Women’s World Cup. A 35-second video released by the AFC revisited Vietnam’s decisive goals during that stage.

The other eight nominated moments were: DPR Korea ending China’s winning streak in 2001; Australia lifting the trophy for the first time in 2010; Thailand making history in 2014; Japan completing their title collection in 2014; Japan defending their title in 2018; China’s resurgence in 2022; the Republic of Korea reaching their first final in 2022; and the Philippines continuing their progress in 2022.

Vietnam’s triumph in the poll comes as a morale boost for head coach Mai Duc Chung and his squad ahead of the upcoming tournament. At the 2026 Asian Cup, Vietnam have been drawn in Group C alongside Japan, India and Chinese Taipei, with their opening match scheduled for March 4.

AFC includes Vietnam in Women’s Asian Cup ‘Epic Moments’ fan vote

VOV.VN - The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has included Vietnam’s historic qualification for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in its AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ “Epic Moments” campaign, a fan vote highlighting nine landmark achievements in the tournament’s history.