Bangladesh to replace India FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 after withdrawal

India chose to withdraw from FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 due to scheduling conflicts.

Bangladesh are set to participate in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 after agreeing to accept an invitation to replace the Indian football team in the tournament.

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) National Teams Committee (NTC) approved the decision on Friday. The development comes after India withdrew from the competition to prioritise their much-anticipated international friendly against five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil.

As reported by Khel Now earlier, India had decided to pull out of the FIFA ASEAN Cup because the tournament clashes with their October 3 fixture against Brazil at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.

The FIFA ASEAN Cup will feature eight teams in the Premier Division, split into two groups. The competition is scheduled to take place in Indonesia between September 21 and October 4. India were originally drawn alongside Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore in Division 1, Group A.

Bangladesh accept invitation after India withdrawal

The BFF received an approach from Indonesia after India confirmed their withdrawal. The Bangladesh NTC then discussed whether to participate in the FIFA ASEAN Cup or instead organise a four-nation tournament in Dhaka.

NTC member and BFF executive committee member Sayed Hasan Kanon confirmed that the committee had decided to accept the invitation.

“BFF president and NTC chairman Tabith Awal sought the opinion of NTC members on whether to take part in the FIFA ASEAN Cup or host a four-nation tournament in Dhaka,” Kanon said, as reported by The Daily Star.

The decision gives Bangladesh an opportunity to compete in a FIFA-backed international competition against strong opposition.

Why did India withdraw from FIFA ASEAN Cup?

India initially accepted an invitation to compete in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup as one of the guest teams from outside Southeast Asia.

The Blue Tigers were placed in Division 1, Group A alongside hosts Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. However, their participation created a major scheduling problem because the tournament overlaps with India’s confirmed friendly against Brazil.

India will face Brazil on October 3 in Kolkata. The date also coincides with the scheduled FIFA ASEAN Cup Division 1 final.

AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey explained that the decision was not based only on the clash with Brazil. FIFA’s international window also limits teams to four matches, making it difficult for India to accommodate both competitions.

“We are unable to participate in the FIFA ASEAN Cup due to our commitment with the Brazil football federation,” Chaubey told The Times of India.

“There were technical issues too since only four games can be played during the window. We have informed FIFA and officials are aware of why we were forced to take this decision.”

India targeting two more friendlies

Although India will miss the FIFA ASEAN Cup, the AIFF plans to make full use of the international window.

The federation is working on arranging two additional friendlies against higher-ranked opponents alongside the Brazil game.

Chaubey did not reveal the names of the potential opponents because discussions are still confidential. However, reports suggest that at least one of the teams India are negotiating with featured at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

India could therefore face three quality opponents during the window, giving head coach Khalid Jamil valuable preparation against stronger teams.

Chaubey believes playing Brazil represents a rare opportunity for Indian football.

“Playing Brazil is perhaps a once in a lifetime opportunity for Indian players. It’s something that can promote the sport across our country,” he said.

Will India face a FIFA ASEAN Cup fine?

India’s withdrawal could potentially result in a financial penalty under the FIFA ASEAN Cup regulations.

Article 5.2 states that a participating member association withdrawing from the tournament no later than 30 days before its first match can be fined at least CHF 15,000, which is approximately ₹17.6 lakh.

However, the AIFF expects to avoid the penalty.

According to the Times of India report, the federation has explained the circumstances surrounding its withdrawal to FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom through a detailed email.

The AIFF remains confident that FIFA will consider the scheduling conflict and India’s commitment to the Brazil friendly before deciding on any disciplinary action.

For India, meanwhile, the focus now shifts towards Brazil and potentially two more high-profile international friendlies during the September-October FIFA window.

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