List of Teams Participating in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026: What Opportunities for Vietnam National Team?

The FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 features 14 teams, consisting of 11 Southeast Asian nations and 3 invited guests, poised to reshape the landscape of regional football.

The FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 marks the first time a tournament for Southeast Asian teams is directly managed and operated by FIFA, creating a major turning point for regional football. The tournament takes place during the FIFA Days window from September 24 to October 3, 2026, allowing teams to call up their strongest squads, while match results will be counted toward the FIFA World Rankings.

The competition gathers 14 teams, including 11 Southeast Asian representatives and 3 guest teams: India, Pakistan, and Hong Kong (China). The teams are divided into Division 1 and Division 2, aiming to create more balanced groups and increase competitiveness.

List of Participating Teams FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026

11 Southeast Asian Teams Participating

Vietnam National Team

Vietnam is placed in Group B of Division 1 alongside Thailand, the Philippines, and Pakistan. As one of the leading teams in the region, coach Kim Sang Sik's squad is expected to compete for the top spot. Notably, the tournament being held during FIFA Days allows Vietnam to call up players currently playing abroad.

Thailand National Team

Thailand is Vietnam's toughest rival in Group B. The two teams have a long history of competition, and their clash remains the highlight of the group stage.

Indonesia National Team

Indonesia is in Group A of Division 1 alongside Malaysia, Singapore, and India. The archipelago nation also benefits from Division 1 being hosted on home soil. This gives Indonesia a solid foundation to aim for a high position in the group.

National TeamMalaysia

Malaysia is also in Group A and will directly compete with Indonesia and Singapore. This team has a long history of rivalry with regional opponents and is expected to deliver thrilling matches in the tournament.

Singapore National Team

Singapore continues to feature in Division 1. Although facing stronger teams like Indonesia and Malaysia, Singapore still has a chance to showcase its progress and compete for a favorable position.

Philippines National Team

The Philippines is in Group B alongside Vietnam and Thailand. This team often plays a tough style and will be a notable challenge in the group race.

Myanmar National Team

Myanmar competes in Group A of Division 2 alongside Hong Kong (China) and Brunei. This is an opportunity for the team to gain more experience and aim for a high position in their division.

Cambodia National Team

Cambodia is in Group B of Division 2, where they face Laos and Timor-Leste. The three teams are considered fairly balanced, so the group dynamics promise to be unpredictable.

Laos National Team

Laos continues to participate in Division 2 and will compete with Cambodia and Timor-Leste. These matches are crucial for the team's efforts to improve its standing.

Timor-Leste National Team

Timor-Leste is one of the teams in Group B of Division 2. This will be an opportunity for the young squad to continue gaining experience against familiar regional opponents.

Brunei National Team

Brunei is in Group A of Division 2 alongside Myanmar and Hong Kong (China). The team aims to make an impact at the tournament rather than just being an underdog.

3 Guest Teams from Outside Southeast Asia

India National Team

India is a guest team placed in Division 1, competing in Group A alongside Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. The presence of this South Asian representative brings a different playing style to the ASEAN teams.

Pakistan National Team

Pakistan is in Group B of Division 1 alongside Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines. This is the only non-regional opponent in Vietnam's group, promising a fresh encounter.

Hong Kong (China) National Team

Hong Kong (China) is in Group A of Division 2 alongside Myanmar and Brunei. This team is also one of the three guests of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 and will compete in the second division.

What Makes the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 Special?

The participation of 11 Southeast Asian teams and 3 non-regional teams creates a tournament with new scale and competitiveness. Notably, the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 takes place during the FIFA Days from September 24 to October 3, allowing teams to call up their strongest squads. More importantly, match results will be counted toward the FIFA World Rankings, making the tournament highly significant for the international points race.