OFFICIAL: The greatest striker in history shockingly excluded from Vietnam national team

The list of Vietnam women's national team for ASIAD 2026 surprisingly does not include Huỳnh Như, despite many other older key players still being present.

The Vietnam women's national team will gather from August 7th at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center, officially starting preparations for ASIAD 2026. In the first training camp under new head coach Hoàng Văn Phúc, many experienced players continue to be called up, such as Bích Thùy, Hoàng Thị Loan, and goalkeeper Trần Thị Kim Thanh.

The most notable absence in this squad is striker Huỳnh Như. The 1991-born striker is currently the all-time top scorer for the Vietnam women's national team with 70 goals in 124 appearances. She is also one of the few Vietnamese female players to have played abroad, having represented Lank FC in Portugal.

Huỳnh Như's absence is considered a significant loss for the attack. Over the years, she has not only been the main goal scorer but also a leader in both professional and mental aspects. In her absence, the goal-scoring responsibility will fall on Nguyễn Thị Thúy Hằng, Ngọc Minh Chuyên, and Lưu Hoàng Vân.

ASIAD 2026 will take place in Nagoya, Japan from September 19 to October 4. The women's football event will start early on September 14 and end on October 2. According to the draw on July 23, the Vietnam women's national team is in Group A alongside hosts Japan, Taiwan (China), and Thailand.

Japan is considered the biggest challenge due to its top Asian level and home advantage. Thailand is a familiar rival in Southeast Asia, while Taiwan (China) also has a disciplined playing style. Therefore, coach Hoàng Văn Phúc and his team need thorough preparation to compete for the chance to advance.

The coaching staff has built a phased training plan, focusing on improving fitness, perfecting tactics, and increasing friendly matches. After training domestically, the team plans to train abroad to enhance competitive experience and adapt to match conditions. The Vietnam women's team aims for a positive image and good results at ASIAD 2026.