Asean Cup 2026 set to take place after World Cup, 30th anniversary
The 2026 ASEAN Cup will take place from July 24 to August 26, right after the World Cup finals. The group stage will have 10 teams playing a round-robin; semi-finals, and home-away finals. Vietnam is the defending champion.
The 2026 ASEAN Cup (AFF Cup) has officially been set to take place from July 24 to August 26, 2026, right after the World Cup finals. This edition also marks the 30th anniversary of the first edition in 1996, and the tournament is still being maintained amid rumors that it could be "erased" due to the appearance of the FIFA ASEAN Cup. Vietnam is currently the defending champion after defeating Thailand in the final of the 2024 ASEAN Cup with a total score of 5-3.
Asean Cup 2026 schedule after World Cup finals
According to official information, the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 will start on July 24 and end on August 26, 2026. The official draw will take place next year, at the same time as the play-off round in June.
Competition time and format
- Group stage: 10 countries, round robin from July 24 to August 8, 2026.
- Semi-finals and finals: home and away from August 15 to August 26, 2026.
- Draw: held next year, at the same time as the play-off round in June.
| Stage | Time | Form |
|---|---|---|
| Group stage | 24/7 - 8/8/2026 | 10 teams, round robin, points |
| Semifinal | 15/8 - 22/8/2026 | Home and away |
| Final | 26/8/2026 | Home and away |
| Draw | Next year (same time as June play-offs) | Confirmation according to BTC announcement |
Statement from AFF
Major General Khiev Sameth, President of the AFF, said: “The ASEAN Hyundai Cup is Southeast Asia’s premier international football tournament, and we are delighted to confirm the dates for the next edition of the tournament on the occasion of its 30th anniversary, a truly significant milestone in the development of the tournament.
We are incredibly grateful to the fans across the region who have shown their unwavering passion and dedication to the tournament since its inception in 1996. We look forward to celebrating this proud legacy with the millions of Southeast Asian fans, together with our new partner, Hyundai Motor Company, as we elevate the tournament to a major international event and further strengthen its strong legacy for decades to come.”
Background and significance of the 30-year milestone
The AFF Championship will continue to be held despite rumours that it will be affected by the FIFA ASEAN Cup. 2026 will also mark 30 years since the first AFF Cup was held in Singapore in 1996, thereby emphasizing the continuity and legacy of the regional playground.
The defending champion
Vietnam is the defending champion, after defeating Thailand with a total score of 5-3 in the final of the 2024 Asean Cup.
