FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 group stage draw announced
India drawn with Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore in Group A of FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 Division 1.
The inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 has taken shape after the official group stage draw was held on Tuesday. The competition, which replaces the former ASEAN Championship under FIFA’s umbrella, will be played during the FIFA international window from September 21 to October 6, 2026.
India, one of the invited non-ASEAN nations, have been placed in Division 1 Group A alongside hosts Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Meanwhile, Pakistan have also accepted FIFA’s invitation and will compete in Division 1 Group B with Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines, following China’s withdrawal from the tournament.
The tournament promises to provide valuable international exposure for participating teams while also offering FIFA World Ranking points and one of the biggest prize pools ever seen in regional football.
FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 group stage draw
The tournament features 14 teams divided into two divisions. Division 1 consists of eight teams split into two groups of four, while Division 2 features six teams divided into two groups of three. Indonesia will host all Division 1 matches, while Hong Kong has been selected as the venue for Division 2.
The group winners from each division will progress directly to their respective finals, while the runners-up will meet in a third-place playoff. There will be no semi-finals, ensuring every match carries significant importance.
Division 1
| Group A | Group B |
|---|---|
| Indonesia | Vietnam |
| India | Pakistan |
| Malaysia | Thailand |
| Singapore | Philippines |
Division 2
| Group A | Group B |
|---|---|
| Hong Kong | Cambodia |
| Myanmar | Laos |
| Brunei Darussalam | Timor-Leste |
FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 format
The inaugural competition will be held during the FIFA International Match Calendar from September 21 to October 6, 2026, allowing participating nations to field their strongest available squads. The new competition is expected to give national teams more meaningful international fixtures while maintaining official FIFA recognition.
Tournament format includes:
- 14 participating teams across two divisions
- Division 1: Two groups of four teams
- Division 2: Two groups of three teams
- Group winners qualify directly for their respective division finals
- All matches will count as official international friendlies
- FIFA World Ranking points will be awarded
- Goal-Line Technology, VAR and Football Video Support (FVS) will be used throughout the tournament
Competition and squad regulations
FIFA has also outlined the squad registration rules for the tournament.
Each participating nation must submit:
- A provisional squad of 35 to 55 players
- At least four goalkeepers in the provisional list
- A final 23-player matchday squad
- A minimum of three goalkeepers in the final squad
- Up to 20 registered team officials, with 11 permitted on matchday
Prize money
The inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 will feature a total prize pool of more than US$4 million. The Division 1 champions will receive US$1 million, while the Division 2 winners will earn US$300,000. Every participating football association is also guaranteed a US$125,000 participation fee.
| Award | Prize |
|---|---|
| Division 1 champions | US$1,000,000 |
| Division 2 champions | US$300,000 |
| Participation fee (each association) | US$125,000 |
When will the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 be played?
The tournament is scheduled to take place from September 21 to October 6, 2026, during the FIFA International Match Calendar.
Which teams are in India’s group?
India have been drawn in Division 1 Group A alongside Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
What is the prize money for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026?
he Division 1 champions will receive US$1 million, while the Division 2 winners will earn US$300,000. Every participating association is guaranteed a US$125,000 participation fee.
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A sports journalist for over 4 years, Triyasha has been covering Indian Football and Kanbaddi meticulously, She specialises in in-depth knowledge of the game, the players and the footballing infrastructure and heritage in India.