FIFA is organizing a new ASEAN Cup tournament.

Southeast Asian football is entering a new era as FIFA confirms the date for the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, bringing together all 11 member countries.

FIFA has announced the dates for a new tournament in the Southeast Asian region.

FIFA has announced that the first ever FIFA ASEAN Cup will be held in September-October 2026. Notably, the tournament will be held within the FIFA Days timeframe, allowing teams to receive higher ranking points in the world rankings.

Currently, Southeast Asian teams are still aiming for the traditional ASEAN Championship Cup (or AFF Cup, renamed ASEAN Hyundai Cup from 2026) taking place from July 24 to August 26. However, with the introduction of the FIFA ASEAN Cup, the region could see a packed schedule with two major tournaments in a row.

According to FIFA's new format from 2026, the international break in September-October will be combined into a single three-week period (September 21st to October 6th), with each team playing a maximum of four matches. This is the timeframe for the FIFA ASEAN Cup.

From a professional standpoint, the emergence of the tournament not only elevates Southeast Asian football but also increases regional competitiveness. As the reigning champions, the Vietnamese team is expected to be a top contender for the title.

According to Gianni Infantino, the tournament was created to breathe new life into regional football and become a symbol of ASEAN solidarity through the sport . "The tournament will not only have a strong impact on Southeast Asia, but will also contribute to bringing glory to the region on the world football map," the FIFA President emphasized.

With over 700 million fans and enormous growth potential, Southeast Asia is considered by FIFA to be one of the most dynamic markets on the planet. If properly organized, the FIFA ASEAN Cup could become a historic turning point, helping the region assert its position on the global football map.

Source: https://znews.vn/fifa-to-chuc-giai-asean-cup-moi-post1636534.html