The tournament features 12 teams divided into three groups. The top two teams in each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, advance to the quarter-finals.

After two matches in Group C, Vietnam sit third with three points following a 2-1 victory over India and a 1-0 defeat to Chinese Taipei.

Uzbekistan’s win has complicated Vietnam’s chances of progressing, particularly as they face tournament favourites Japan in their final group-stage match on March 10.

Vietnam will secure a quarter-final place if they avoid defeat against Japan. Even in the event of a loss, the team could still advance provided the defeat is narrow or if they lose by two goals but manage to score.

However, a defeat by three goals or more would eliminate Vietnam from the competition. If Vietnam lose 0-2, their qualification chances could be decided by the fair-play ranking against the Philippines, as the two sides could finish level on points, goal difference and goals scored.

The final standings in Group C could also change if India defeat Chinese Taipei. In that scenario, the ranking of the teams would be determined based on the head-to-head results among the three sides.

At present, Vietnam lead the ranking among the third-placed teams with three points and a goal difference of zero, ahead of Uzbekistan and the Philippines, who both have three points but inferior goal differences.

Vietnam will play Japan in their final group match at 4 p.m. on March 10. The encounter is expected to be extremely challenging, as Vietnam have lost their last ten matches with Japan, all by margins of at least two goals.

“We have faced Japan many times and know that they always approach every match with great seriousness. Therefore, the team have prepared tactical plans in order to perform at our best against them,” head coach Mai Duc Chung said ahead of the clash.

However, Japan have already secured qualification for the knockout stage and may rotate their squad for the final group match.

Vietnam still in Women’s Asian Cup Quarterfinal race despite narrow defeat

VOV.VN - Vietnam suffered a narrow 0-1 defeat against Chinese Taipei in Group C of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Australia on March 7, but their hopes of reaching the quarterfinals remain alive.