FIFA gives the green light! Launching the new "FIFA ASEAN CUP" for global glory in September-October 2026
ASEAN football is about to be transformed! FIFA and ASEAN have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and officially announced a new tournament called the FIFA ASEAN CUP, which will bring together all FIFA member national teams from Southeast Asia to compete.
The FIFA Council has officially approved the event, scheduling the inaugural tournament for September–October 2026.
A key difference from the usual ASEAN Cup is that FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the event will be held during the FIFA International Match Window, meaning clubs worldwide must release their players to national teams. This allows each country to call up their best players who play abroad, unlike in past AFF Championships where many teams lost key stars.
"In the FIFA ASEAN CUP, we will unite the various nations, and this competition will be a major success that helps develop national football in the ASEAN region and supports the growth of football across Southeast Asia," said Infantino.