Group A also includes Cambodia and the winner of a playoff between Brunei and Timor-Leste. The two-leg playoff will take place on June 2 and June 9.

The draw sets up familiar matchups, as Vietnam previously defeated both Indonesia and Singapore on their way to winning the regional title in 2024. Vietnam beat Indonesia 1–0 in the group stage and later overwhelmed Singapore 6–1 on aggregate in the semifinals.

Group B features Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Myanmar and Laos.

Speaking immediately after the draw, Singapore’s head coach Gavin Lee acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying his team are preparing seriously for what he described as a tough group.

Indonesia’s newly appointed head coach John Herdman said the tournament would be highly competitive, adding that all teams have a chance and Indonesia aim to capitalise on their opportunity.

ASEAN Championship 2026 will see a major scheduling change, taking place in the summer from July 24 to August 26, immediately after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament will feature 10 teams in the group stage and they are divided into two groups who will play a round-robin format.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals. The first and second legs of the final round is set to be held on August 22 and 26.

The 2026 edition marks the tournament’s 16th staging and the 30th anniversary since its launch. Thailand remain the most successful team with seven titles, followed by Singapore with four and Vietnam with three. Vietnam are the defending champions, having defeated Thailand 5–3 on aggregate in the 2024 final.

Coach Kim Sang-sik receives big reward after ASEAN Cup win

VOV.VN - The Saigon – Hanoi Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SHB) has rewarded VND500 million to head coach Kim Sang-sik and an additional VND500 million to the Vietnamese national team in recognition of their recent ASEAN Cup 2024 triumph.