The tournament will celebrate 30 years in July and August 2026, with the participation of 11 leading teams in the region competing for the Southeast Asian championship title.
This is the 16th time that the teams of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) have competed on a 2-year cycle, since the first tournament held in Singapore in 1996. 2026 also marks the first time Hyundai Motor Company has become the official sponsor of the tournament.
According to the new schedule, the two play-off matches determine the final ticket to the group stage will take place in a first-leg format on June 2 and 9. The group stage of 10 teams will take place from July 24 to August 8 in a round-robin format, held in countries in the region. The knockout rounds (first leg - return leg) will start from August 15 and end on August 26. The official draw ceremony will be announced by the AFF next year.
Mr. Khiev Sameth - AFF President said: ASEAN Cup is the leading international football tournament in Southeast Asia. The announcement of the competition schedule on the occasion of the 30th anniversary marks an important milestone in the development of the tournament".
Mr. Sunny Kim, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Asia Pacific, emphasized: "Football is the foundation for community connection. Hyundai is proud to be the official sponsor of the ASEAN Cup 2026, continuing to use football to inspire and connect fans in the region.
