ASEAN Cup 2026 postponed to summer.

The organizers of the ASEAN Cup 2026 have officially announced the schedule, confirming that the region's biggest tournament will return in the summer of 2026, coinciding with its 30th anniversary.

The ASEAN Cup 2026 will be moved to the summer.

According to the schedule announced by AFF on the afternoon of November 14th, the group stage will be played in a round-robin format from July 24th to August 8th, 2026, before the tournament enters its most intense phase. The knockout round, including the semi-finals and the two-legged final, will be held from August 15th to 26th, 2026.

The tournament takes place immediately after the World Cup concludes in the USA, Canada, and Mexico (from June 11th to July 19th). Previously, the ASEAN Cup was held in August or September in its early editions under the names Tiger Cup or AFF Cup. Since 2000, the tournament has shifted to the period from November to January of the following year.

The 2026 edition will be the 16th edition of the tournament since its inaugural event in Singapore in 1996, marking a three-decade journey of regional teams competing in what is considered the biggest stage in Southeast Asian football.

Sharing his thoughts on this historic milestone, AFF President Khiev Sameth emphasized: "The ASEAN Cup is Southeast Asia's leading international tournament, and confirming the schedule for the 2026 edition holds special significance. We are grateful for the unwavering support of our fans since 1996 and look forward to further elevating the tournament to an even larger international event."

The ASEAN Cup has been held 15 times, with Thailand being the most successful team, possessing 7 championships (1996, 2000, 2002, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2022). Following them are Singapore (4 times), Vietnam (3 times), and Malaysia (1 time). Vietnam is currently the reigning champion.

Source: https://znews.vn/asean-cup-2026-doi-sang-mua-he-post1602787.html