Football

Việt Nam is one of the stops of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Trophy Tour which begins later this month. — Photo fifa.com

HÀ NỘI — The FIFA Women's World Cup trophy will start its world tour this month and Việt Nam will be one of its stops.

The global journey is conducted about five months ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023.

It is expected to 'inspire people of all ages by ‘Going Beyond’ to celebrate the rocketing popularity of the women’s game'.

The Trophy Tour begins from February 25 and will first visit Japan before travelling to all 32 of the tournament’s participating nations – more countries than ever before, according to the world football governing body.

Twenty-nine countries have been named while the remaining three will be announced later after they win qualifying matches.

The Trophy will crisscross the globe by visiting Asia, Africa, South America, North America and Europe before landing in all nine Women’s World Cup host cities in the final weeks before the start of the tournament on July 20.

Key dates on the tour schedule include stops in China on March 9-11, South Africa on March 22-23, Brazil on March 29-30, the US on April 10-14, Canada on April 19-20, Germany on May 2-3, England on May 13-14 and France on May 20-21.

Việt Nam is one of several countries which will also be part of the tour for the first time ever. The country will welcome the trophy on March 4-5.

Other countries on the tour include Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Morocco, the Philippines, Ireland, Switzerland and Zambia.

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup Trophy Tour is a spectacular global celebration of the women’s game, giving fans, families and future football enthusiasts an opportunity to be inspired and become part of a truly special journey,” FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said on fifa.com.

“It is a fantastic opportunity to experience the most coveted prize in women’s football in person and hear from the game’s legends. The tour will inspire people worldwide by shining a spotlight on the skills and creativity that demonstrate why women’s football has such a bright future.”

During the tour, Skills Drills sessions will be held to encourage women and girls worldwide to join the celebration by showcasing their footballing ability and creativity.

It will be a unique opportunity for members of the public to get creative and showcase their footballing ability to a global audience.

Skills Drills will give willing participants worldwide the chance to try out fun football challenges that become tougher over time and then share their imaginative efforts on TikTok.

Việt Nam national women's football team will start training in March for the FIFA World Cup. — VNA/VNS Photo

Following a draw last October, Việt Nam, a first time World Cup participant, will be in Group E with defending champions USA, first runner-up the Netherlands and a playoff match winner. They will play all three matches in New Zealand.

In preparation for the event, coach Mai Đức Chung will summon his players on March 10 in Hà Nội. They will have two intensive training sessions in Japan and Germany before leaving for the World Cup. —VNS