Southeast Asian fans fiercely debate over Vietnam's group in the FIFA tournament

The choice to put Pakistan in the highest division and alongside Vietnam in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 has caused many Southeast Asian fans to doubt its reasonableness.

FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 has not yet started but has already sparked major controversy over Pakistan being placed in the top tier and in Group B with Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Previously, China unexpectedly announced its withdrawal from the tournament on July 28 due to its own plans. FIFA then had to find a team outside the ASEAN region to fill the vacant spot. Pakistan quickly accepted the invitation, but initially there were reports that the South Asian team would be placed in the second tier.

This was considered reasonable considering FIFA rankings. Pakistan is currently ranked 198th in the world, only two places above Timor-Leste and significantly lower than many teams originally placed in the Challenge group.

However, when the results of the ranking and group draw were announced on the afternoon of July 29, Pakistan unexpectedly appeared in Group B of the Premier tier alongside Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines. This means FIFA chose Pakistan to directly replace China's position in the highest tier.

This decision immediately created diverse opinions within the Southeast Asian football community.

“I don't understand why Pakistan, ranked 198th in FIFA, was placed directly into the Premier group. If the tournament is divided by level, this decision is very difficult to justify.”

Some opinions suggest that Hong Kong (China) could be a more reasonable option if FIFA wanted to maintain the quality of the highest tier.

“If a team is needed to replace China, why not promote a team from the Challenge group? At least that would be consistent with the tournament's ranking system.”

The fact that Pakistan is in the same group as Vietnam also makes Group B particularly interesting. Theoretically, the South Asian team is rated significantly lower than Vietnam and Thailand.

“Vietnam and Thailand are certainly rated much higher. Pakistan will have to prove that FIFA was not wrong in giving them a spot in the Premier tier.”

Another fan commented: “I hope Pakistan can create a surprise, otherwise this decision will make the gap in level within the group too large.”

The FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 will take place from September 24 to October 3 during the FIFA Days calendar. The tournament has a total prize fund of over 4 million USD, with the Premier tier champion receiving 1 million USD.

For Vietnam, Pakistan replacing China significantly changes the nature of the group. But for FIFA, this decision will certainly continue to be scrutinized until Pakistan actually steps onto the field and proves its competitiveness.