Vietnam will host the ASEAN Women’s MSIG Serenity Cup 2025, with Southeast Asia’s premier matches scheduled in August.

The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) announced the news on May 13, confirming Phu Tho and Hai Phong as competition venues for the games from August 6-19.

The round-robin group games for the eight-team tournament will be played at the Viet Tri and Lach Tray stadiums.

Viet Tri Stadium, which was the venue for Vietnam’s home games during their successful ASEAN Championship 2024 campaign, will host both semi-final matches, the third-place play-off and the final.

Among participants at the 13th edition are defending champions, the Philippines, four-time winners Thailand, and three-time champions Vietnam, who are also favourites for this year's title.

The full list of participating teams will be released soon. They will be divided into two groups, with the draw to be conducted on June 9.

“The ASEAN Women’s MSIG Serenity Cup 2025 marks an important milestone in our shared journey to elevate women’s football in Southeast Asia," said AFF President Major General Khiev Sameth.

"Hosted with the support of the Vietnam Football Federation, this moment sets the stage for what promises to be a landmark edition of our region’s most prestigious women’s football tournament.

"With the invaluable support of our title partner MSIG, we are witnessing the rapid rise of the women’s game in ASEAN, not just in performance, but in passion, pride and purpose. We eagerly look forward to a tournament that will celebrate excellence, foster unity and inspire a new generation of female athletes across our region.”

In response, Vietnam Football Federation President Tran Quoc Tuan said Vietnam were tremendously honoured to host the regional championship, an occasion of great pride that reflected the remarkable growth of women’s football, not only in Vietnam but also Southeast Asia.

He said the opportunity was a recognition of local authorities' commitment to the women’s game and a responsibility that Vietnam embraced wholeheartedly.

“Together with the ASEAN Football Federation and our valued partners, we are dedicated to delivering a tournament that showcases the spirit, skill and unity of ASEAN football," he said.

“We eagerly await the official draw on June 9 as it marks another important step in our journey to welcome Southeast Asia’s finest women’s teams to Phu Tho and Hai Phong.

MSIG, one of the leading general insurers in ASEAN, has become the first-ever title partner of the ASEAN Women’s Championship.

“As title partner of the ASEAN Women’s MSIG Serenity Cup, we are proud to be at the forefront of advancing women’s football across the region," said General Director of MSIG Vietnam, Yoshinori Ito.

"Our commitment goes beyond sponsorship – we are championing a movement that empowers female athletes, brings communities together, and inspires the next generation. It is a great honour for Vietnam to host this tournament – a landmark event for both the region and women’s sport – and we look forward to witnessing the passion and talent it will showcase.”

ASEAN women’s national team performances have been rising steadily on the international level.

Thailand took part in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 and 2019, and the Philippines and Vietnam made their debuts in 2023.

In 2022, Vietnam entered the tournament as defending AFF champions but failed to retain the title after losing 0-4 to the Philippines in the semi-finals. The hosts went on to win their first title in history by defeating Thailand 3-0 in the final./.VNA