FIFA ASEAN Cup to Launch in Indonesia and Hong Kong in September
The inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup will run from 24 September to 5 October, creating a new men’s international competition for Southeast Asian national sides and invited teams. Indonesia will stage Division 1 in Bandung and Jakarta, while Hong Kong will host Division 2.
Why the new competition matters
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tournament dates | 24 September to 5 October |
| Division 1 hosts | Bandung and Jakarta, Indonesia |
| Division 2 host | Hong Kong |
| Format | Single round-robin groups, followed by a final for each division |
| Announced field | 14 national teams: 11 Southeast Asian associations and three guests |
The tournament has been placed within the men’s international match calendar, giving national teams a defined series of competitive fixtures rather than relying solely on friendlies. Each division will operate as a one-round group, with the side finishing first progressing straight to the relevant final.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the competition was designed to give national teams meaningful matches and allow players to represent their countries in intense regional contests. He also pointed to the opportunity for the event to strengthen football links across the participating nations.
Indonesia could have a particularly strong European-based contingent available for its home division. Sassuolo centre-back Jay Idzes, Rayo Vallecano goalkeeper Emil Audero, Lille defender Calvin Verdonk, Borussia Monchengladbach defender Kevin Diks and Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Paes are among the players eligible to be considered.
Elsewhere, Thailand have SV Elversberg defender Nicholas Mickelson among their overseas options, while the Philippines could call on SC Paderborn winger Raphael Obermair. Bangladesh, one of the guest nations, may include Hamza Choudhury, the former Leicester City midfielder who won the FA Cup in 2020-21.
Division line-ups
Division 1 is set to contain Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Division 2 will feature Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Timor-Leste in Hong Kong.
Squad calls remain to be confirmed
Final selections have not yet been confirmed, leaving the European-based players named among the potential call-ups rather than guaranteed participants when the tournament begins on 24 September.
