FIFA weighs ASEAN Cup expansion, Vietnam could face new opponents
VOV.VN - FIFA is considering expanding the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 to 16 teams by inviting two additional national sides, a move that could reshape the tournament draw and present Vietnam with new opponents in the inaugural edition held under FIFA's official patronage.
The proposal is currently under review as FIFA finalises the competition regulations for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, the first Southeast Asian championship to be staged under the auspices of the world football governing body.
Under the original format, the tournament would feature 14 teams divided into two divisions based on the latest FIFA rankings. Division 1 would include the region's eight strongest teams together with invited participants, while Division 2 would consist of six teams.
FIFA is now evaluating the possibility of inviting two additional national teams so that each division would contain eight teams, ensuring every side plays four group-stage matches. The revised format is expected to create a more balanced schedule while enhancing the tournament's overall competitiveness.
If approved, the expansion would alter the final list of participating teams and potentially reshape the group-stage draw.
Regardless of whether the tournament expands, Vietnam have already secured their place in Division 1 thanks to their FIFA ranking. Based on the current provisional lineup, the top division is expected to include Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, China, and India.
However, should FIFA add two more teams, the draw could produce different group-stage matchups from those originally anticipated, meaning Vietnam may face new opponents during the competition.
The FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 will be played during the FIFA international windows in September and October 2026, allowing participating nations to field their strongest available squads.
According to the tournament schedule, the official group-stage draw will take place in August after FIFA confirms the final list of participating teams and approves the competition regulations.
Expanding the tournament to 16 teams, if adopted, would not only create a more balanced competition format but also provide additional opportunities for national teams across Southeast Asia and add further excitement to the inaugural FIFA-branded ASEAN Cup.
Vietnam maintains top 100 spot in latest FIFA rankings ahead of ASEAN Cup 2026
VOV.VN - The Vietnam national football team has retained its place in the global top 100 in the July 2026 FIFA rankings, offering a strong boost ahead of its title defense at the upcoming ASEAN Cup 2026.
