FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 format and squad regulations: Explained

FIFA ASEAN Cup to be played in September-October FIFA Window

The inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup is confirmed to be played in the September FIFA window from 21st September to 6th October 2026 in Indonesia and Hong Kong. A total of 14 teams are set to compete in the tournament which is divided into two divisions based on the participating nations’ FIFA World Ranking. Division 1 consists of two groups of four teams each with Indonesia as host and division 2 also has two groups but of three teams each.

For India, this tournament can prove to be very valuable as they will take on competitive opponents which will help the Blue Tigers gain the much needed confidence ahead of the FIFA qualifiers next year.

In this article, we take a look at the format and squad regulations for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026.

FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 format

The FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 as of now is expected to feature 14 teams, divided into two different divisions based the participating nation’s FIFA World Rankings.

The division 1 currently consists of eight teams divided in two groups of four teams each. The group winners of division 1 will qualify directly for their division’s final, meanwhile the runners up from both groups play the third-place playoff match.

Similarly, in division 2 there are two groups and the respective group winner play their division’s final and the runners up play the third-place playoff of their division.

However, here as of now there are six teams divided in two groups of three teams each.

Every match in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 will be officially recognised by FIFA and will contribute to the FIFA World Rankings of the participating nations.

Along with this, the tournament will have the Goal line technology, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and Football Video Support (FVS) to ensure a better decision-making process.

India are placed in division 1 group A alongside hosts Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

Also Read: FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 group stage draw announced

Squad regulations

Now, the participating teams will be needed to follow FIFA’s squad regulations guidelines.

Accordingly, the provisional squad can have players between the number of 33 to 55, including a minimum of four goalkeepers. The match squad however will be comprising of 23 players, with at least three goalkeepers in it.

Also, a maximum of 20 team officials can be registered by the team, with only 11 permitted on matchdays.

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