The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) has officially scheduled the group stage draw for the ASEAN Championship 2024, formerly known as the AFF Cup, to take place on May 21 in Hanoi. This rebranding marks a new era for the tournament, which is set to run from November 23, 2024, to February 21, 2025.
The draw will feature Vietnam and Thailand in the top seed group due to their impressive performances in the previous two editions of the tournament. Thailand, having clinched the title in both, and Vietnam, with a runner-up and a semi-final appearance, are poised to lead their respective groups.
Vietnam’s football team, now under the guidance of new head coach Kim Sang Sik, is especially keen to regain its prominence on the regional stage after a period of subpar performances. Similarly, Thailand aims to defend its title and maintain dominance in Southeast Asia.
Indonesia, another strong contender, emerges as a team to watch. With a robust squad bolstered by naturalized players, Indonesia has shown formidable form, overcoming Vietnam in recent confrontations, including at the Asian Cup 2023 and the World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Under the leadership of coach Shin Tae Yong, Indonesia aspires to capture its first ASEAN Championship title, setting the stage for a potential high-stakes matchup against Vietnam.
The draw will include ten teams: Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Laos, and the winner of a play-off between Brunei and Timor-Leste. These teams will be divided into two groups of five.
In a significant change to the tournament format, each team will play home and away matches in a round-robin format within their group, a departure from previous editions. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, which, along with the final, will continue to be played over two legs.
This year’s ASEAN Championship promises intense competition and strategic battles, with nations not only fighting for regional supremacy but also for national pride under the new format. Fans across Southeast Asia eagerly anticipate the group stage draw, ready to support their teams in what is expected to be one of the most exciting tournaments in the region’s football history.
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