This marks the first occasion on which FIFA has organised and directly overseen a national team tournament for the Southeast Asian region, distinct from the ASEAN Championship managed by the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF).
The FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 will be staged within the FIFA Days window, from September 24 to October 3, 2026, thereby enabling national teams to summon their strongest squads, including players who are currently plying their trade abroad. The outcomes of the matches will also contribute to the FIFA World Ranking.
The tournament is structured into two divisions. Matches in Division 1 will be hosted by Indonesia, whilst Hong Kong (China) will stage Division 2.
In Division 1, Group A comprises Indonesia, India, Malaysia, and Singapore. Viet Nam are placed in Group B together with Thailand, the Philippines, and Pakistan. Meanwhile, Division 2 features Group A consisting of Hong Kong (China), Myanmar, and Brunei, and Group B comprising Cambodia, Laos, and Timor-Leste.
The FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 will provide national teams with an opportunity to accrue points in the FIFA World Ranking whilst fielding their strongest line-ups. This is particularly significant for teams that seek to enhance their position in the global standings and prepare for future draws in major tournaments.
