The fact that FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 is expected to have more guests has created a wave of lively discussion. In the past, Southeast Asian football has been associated with "village ponds", with "low-lying areas", very realistic and also full of irony, when it is just a matter of substantive competition of a few teams. FIFA creating a new tournament and having a very different strategy can upgrade the regional playground.
Of course, Southeast Asian teams will face the feeling of "playing away at home", no longer enjoying absolute favor in terms of level or mentality. However, that "strangeness" is the strongest motivation to break the stagnation. To develop, we need strong opponents to know where we are on the world map rather than the cup to easily bring home.
The presence of China and India - 2 billion-population markets - and later possibly other names, not only brings huge commercial value but also attracts the attention of international media to Southeast Asia. FIFA wants to create a new football "ecosystem", promoting Southeast Asian football to progress faster through practical friction. To elevate a region, bring higher standards from outside to directly impose on that region.
This story is a big lesson in thinking in life. Many people are often afraid of change because it disrupts old habits. But the truth is, keeping the old way of doing things will only get old results.
The spirit of daring to do, daring to take risks, daring to face opposing opinions to move towards a better future is encouraging. In life as well, sometimes we have to put ourselves in a difficult position, turn ourselves into "guests" in our familiar environment to force ourselves to adapt and rise up.
Isn't it like the message people still say "Choice is more important than effort"? "Being a guest" in the host's mindset is humility to learn and bravery to reach out to the world by inviting the world to your home.
Change is never easy, but it's the only option.
