What is the FIFA ASEAN Cup, and why does the Vietnamese national team face a golden opportunity?

FIFA confirms the ASEAN Cup will be organized with 11 Southeast Asian teams in the 2026 international calendar, creating a significant advantage for the Vietnamese national team in the race to improve its FIFA ranking position.

FIFA has officially approved the organization of the regional tournament named the FIFA ASEAN Cup, marking the first time Southeast Asian football has a competition directly sponsored by the World Football Federation. According to the announcement after the meeting at its headquarters in Zurich (Switzerland), the tournament is scheduled to take place from September 21 to October 6, 2026, within the new expanded FIFA Days framework.

Previously, the idea for this tournament was announced by FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and received consensus from all 11 member countries in the region. The official approval of the organization plan not only holds symbolic significance but also opens a new direction for Southeast Asian football, particularly in terms of competition and accumulating international points.

According to FIFA, the tournament will gather all 11 Southeast Asian national teams and will be organized within the official international competition calendar. This means matches in the FIFA ASEAN Cup will carry significantly higher point values compared to traditional regional tournaments. Each team can play up to four matches over approximately three weeks, creating conditions for teams to both compete and improve their position on the FIFA ranking.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized that the tournament's goal is to "bring a new breath of life" to regional football and build a symbol of unity. He stated: "The number 11 holds special meaning in football, and now the 11 ASEAN nations will come together to form a regional team. The tournament will not only have a strong impact on Southeast Asia but also contribute to elevating the region's profile on the world football map."

FIFA's direct involvement in organizing is also considered an important upgrade compared to the current AFF Cup. The matches will not only be competitive for titles but will also help teams accumulate significant ranking points. For the Vietnamese national team—the current regional champion—this is a major opportunity to improve its ranking, while also affirming its position against familiar rivals.

However, the challenges are also considerable as the competition schedule becomes dense. The AFF Cup 2026 (ASEAN Hyundai Cup) will take place immediately beforehand from July 24 to August 26, requiring teams to maintain consistent performance. Nevertheless, given the stature of a tournament sponsored by FIFA, the FIFA ASEAN Cup is expected to become a turning point helping Southeast Asian football breakthrough, with Vietnam being one of the most obvious beneficiaries.