FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 to start in September
FIFA has confirmed the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup will run from September 24 to October 5, 2026. The 14-team tournament will be co-hosted by Indonesia and Hong Kong, China, featuring all ASEAN nations and three guest teams.
FIFA has announced the schedule and format for the first FIFA ASEAN Cup. The tournament will be held from September 24 to October 5, 2026.
Indonesia and Hong Kong, China, will co-host the event. Matches will be staged in the Indonesian cities of Bandung and Jakarta, as well as in Hong Kong.
Tournament Format and Participants
The competition will feature 14 national teams. This includes all 11 member nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and three guest sides. The goal is to provide high-quality international football and strengthen regional connections.
The teams will be split into two divisions. Division 1 will be hosted by Indonesia, while Division 2 will be based in Hong Kong, China.
| Division | Host | Participating Teams (including hosts) |
|---|---|---|
| Division 1 | Indonesia | Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh (guest), Pakistan (guest) |
| Division 2 | Hong Kong, China | Hong Kong, China (guest), Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Timor-Leste |
Each division will be further divided into two groups. Teams will play each other once in a round-robin format. The group winners will advance to their division's final. In Division 1, the runners-up will also play a third-place match.
FIFA's Vision for the Event
FIFA President Gianni Infantino outlined the tournament's purpose. He stated it was launched to give national teams meaningful competitive opportunities within the international match calendar. "The tournament will strengthen football ties across Southeast Asia while delivering unforgettable moments and fantastic international action for fans throughout the region," Infantino said.
The event aims to celebrate regional rivalries. It also seeks to create new opportunities for fan engagement.
Scale and Potential Impact
The participating nations represent a combined population of over two billion people. This figure shows the massive scale and football potential of the region involved.
The host cities are described as gateways to vibrant football communities. They are home to young, passionate fan bases.
By mixing established and emerging football nations, the tournament is designed to aid development. It hopes to build cultural and social ties across Southeast Asia. Preparations are now underway, with anticipation building for the inaugural edition.
The new competition promises memorable international matchups. It aims to unite communities across the region through football.
