FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026!!!
FIFA's concept for a new tournament called the “FIFA ASEAN Cup” has not yet been officially detailed clearly.
So far, only unofficial leaks have suggested possible formats and ideas for the competition.
However, recently the direction seems clearer following the “FIFA Congress” meeting held in Canada.
Officials from the Football Association of Thailand attending the meeting confirmed that the plan likely aligns with rumors circulating on social media.
Importantly, the schedule for the Thailand national team already includes matches for the “FIFA ASEAN Cup.”
Anthony Hudson, head coach of Thailand’s national team, recently met with his staff and has begun planning for the “FIFA ASEAN Cup.”
To clarify, the “FIFA ASEAN Cup” is not the same as the ASEAN football championships previously held.
Those included the “Tiger Cup,” then the “Suzuki Cup,” followed by the “Mitsubishi Electric Cup,” and most recently the “Hyundai Cup,” which are part of the “ASEAN Championship.”
But the “FIFA ASEAN Cup” is a new tournament FIFA intends to organize additionally.
The tentative schedule is during the “FIFA Days” in September to October this year.
This combines two FIFA Day windows into one for the first time, allowing national teams more match time.
Normally, a FIFA Day lasts about 10 days, but for September-October, it will be extended to 16 days, from 21 September to 6 October.
Reports say the “FIFA ASEAN Cup” will be divided into 2 divisions, initially involving 14 nations, not only ASEAN countries, competing.
“Division 1” has 8 teams split into 2 groups of 4 teams each, while “Division 2” has 6 teams divided into 2 groups of 3 teams each.
Both divisions will play round-robin matches within their groups. The two group winners advance to the final, and other teams play classification matches.
This format ensures every country plays 3-4 matches during the FIFA Days in September-October.
Besides the 11 ASEAN nations, participants reportedly include China, India, and Hong Kong.
Indonesia will host Division 1, and Hong Kong will host Division 2.
Notably, the total prize money is reportedly huge, reaching 4 million US dollars, or over 129 million baht.
In addition to team support funds of 125,000 US dollars (about 4 million baht), there are bonuses for wins and draws, plus large championship prizes.
The Division 1 champion earns 1 million US dollars (about 32 million baht) from just 4 matches.
The Division 2 champion receives 300,000 US dollars (about 9.6 million baht) after only 3 matches.
Compared to the “ASEAN Championship,” this is a completely different scale, as AFF events are more demanding with more matches but offer smaller prize money.
The “Hyundai Cup” champion receives only 300,000 US dollars (about 10 million baht) but must play 8 matches plus travel.
All these details still await official confirmation, expected in an announcement on 1 June.
Meanwhile, Anthony Hudson has already planned and started preparations for both the old and new tournaments ahead.
Thailand’s upcoming schedule begins with the FIFA Days in June, hosting Kuwait and then traveling to China.
After that comes the “Hyundai Cup” in July, followed by the “FIFA ASEAN Cup” in September-October.
At year-end, the 52nd King’s Cup will be held during the FIFA Days in November.
The major highlight is the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, scheduled for January to February.
Anthony Hudson has evaluated players for each stage, likely fielding different squads in each tournament.
Each tournament has its own importance; fans can look forward to supporting Thailand’s national team throughout the year.
“Bubble”