Hanoi, 11 August 2026 – FIFA has officially unveiled the competition format for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, ending days of anticipation surrounding the new tournament. The competition will run from September 24 to October 4, 2026, featuring two separate divisions and significant prize money.
The tournament will be divided into the Premier Division, which serves as the top tier, and the Challenge Division, featuring a second group of participating nations.
Eight teams will compete in the Premier Division: Indonesia, Malaysia, India, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Pakistan.
Based on the previously announced draw, hosts Indonesia have been placed in Group A alongside India, Malaysia and Singapore. Group B features Vietnam, Pakistan, Thailand and the Philippines.
The Challenge Division will feature six teams: Hong Kong, Myanmar, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos and Timor-Leste. Hong Kong, Myanmar and Brunei will compete in Group A, while Cambodia, Laos and Timor-Leste make up Group B.
Group Winners Advance Straight to the Final
Both divisions will operate under a similar competition format. Teams will play a single round-robin within their respective groups, with each side facing every group opponent once.
Unlike traditional tournaments featuring semifinals, only the winner of each group will advance to the final, where the two sides will battle for their respective division’s championship.
FIFA will also stage classification matches to determine the remaining positions. Teams finishing in the same position in Groups A and B will face each other, meaning the second-placed teams will contest a placement match, as will teams finishing third and, where applicable, fourth.
Although the competition is divided into two tiers, FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 will not feature promotion or relegation between the Premier and Challenge Divisions.
Indonesia to Host Premier Division
Indonesia has been selected to host all Premier Division matches. FIFA has confirmed two venues for the competition: Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta and Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung.
The Challenge Division will take place separately in Hong Kong, with matches scheduled to be staged at Kai Tak Sports Park.
$1 Million Up for Grabs
FIFA has also introduced substantial financial rewards for participating nations.
According to the announced prize structure, each team will receive $125,000 for participating in FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026.
The stakes are considerably higher for teams competing in the Premier Division, with the champions set to collect a $1 million prize.
Meanwhile, the winner of the Challenge Division will receive $300,000, matching the prize money awarded to the champions of the AFF ASEAN Cup.
Broadcasting rights for the new competition are also reportedly carrying a significant price tag. FIFA is said to be offering the rights to the tournament’s 20 matches for approximately $3 million.
With major Southeast Asian rivals competing alongside India and Pakistan, a direct route from the group stage to the final and substantial financial incentives on offer, the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 promises to add a new dimension to the region’s international football calendar.
VSN/RPT
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