September 10, 2026 | 03:48 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that the FIFA ASEAN Cup provides equal competitive opportunities for Southeast Asian nations."The tournament will strengthen football ties across Southeast Asia while delivering unforgettable moments and fantastic international action for fans throughout the region," said Infantino in a FIFA statement on September 9, as quoted by ANTARA.The inaugural edition of this tournament will take place during the international break from September 24 to October 5. A total of 14 countries will participate: 11 Southeast Asian nations, plus Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong.Indonesia is hosting Division One, with the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta and the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung Regency serving as match venues.Division One is divided into two groups. Indonesia is in Group A alongside Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Singapore, while Group B comprises Vietnam, Pakistan, Thailand, and the Philippines.Hong Kong is hosting the second division, which consists of two groups of three teams each, alongside Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Timor-Leste.Each division will be divided into two groups to face off in a single round-robin format (each team meets once). The group winners from each division will advance to the final to compete for the trophy, while the group runners-up from the first division will play in the third-place match.Read: Chelsea Reach Carabao Cup Fourth Round With 6-3 Comeback Over LeedsClick here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
