UAE women’s team shows determination ahead of Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers

On the afternoon of June 24, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Women’s National Team—the strongest contender for Coach Mai Duc Chung’s Vietnam squad in Group E—arrived at Muong Thanh Luxury Phu Tho Hotel to prepare for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifying Round.

Representatives of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism presented flowers to welcome the UAE Women’s Team upon their arrival in Phu Tho.

Despite just completing a long flight, the UAE players appeared excited and energized as they were warmly received by the local organizing committee. Leading the team is Head Coach Vera Pauw, who brought with her a solid lineup featuring many standout players from Abu Dhabi Country Club—currently the top women’s football club in the UAE. The squad also includes several naturalized players from England and the United States, expected to add new tactical dynamics to the team from West Asia.

UAE players appeared comfortable and relaxed upon arrival at Muong Thanh Luxury Phu Tho Hotel.

Coach Vera Pauw and her players took a commemorative photo upon arrival in the land of the Hung Kings.

Originally, international teams were scheduled to arrive in Vietnam on June 27. However, the UAE team opted to fly in three days early to acclimate to the weather and training conditions in Viet Tri City. This early arrival underlines the serious preparation and high determination of Coach Vera Pauw and her team as they gear up to challenge host Vietnam for the sole qualifying spot in Group E.

Quoc Dai