The 2026 ASEAN Cup is scheduled to be held after the World Cup, marking its 30th anniversary.
The ASEAN Cup 2026 will take place from July 24th to August 26th, right after the World Cup finals. The group stage will feature 10 teams playing a single round-robin format; the semi-finals and final will be played at home and away. The Vietnamese national team is the defending champion.
The 2026 ASEAN Cup (AFF Cup) has been officially scheduled to take place from July 24th to August 26th, 2026, immediately following the World Cup finals. This edition also marks the 30th anniversary of its first edition in 1996, and the tournament is being maintained amidst rumors of its potential cancellation due to the emergence of the FIFA ASEAN Cup. The Vietnamese national team is the defending champion after defeating Thailand in the 2024 ASEAN Cup final with a total score of 5-3.
ASEAN Cup 2026 schedule after the World Cup Finals
According to official information, the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 will start on July 24th and end on August 26th, 2026. The official draw will take place next year, coinciding with the play-off round in June.
Time and format of the competition
- Group stage: 10 countries, playing a single round-robin format from July 24th to August 8th, 2026.
- Semi-finals and final: home and away matches from August 15th to August 26th, 2026.
- Draw: to be held next year, at the same time as the play-offs in June.
| Stage | Time | Form |
|---|---|---|
| Group stage | 24/7 - 8/8/2026 | 10 teams, round-robin format, points awarded. |
| Semifinal | 15/8 - 22/8/2026 | Home and away games |
| Final | 26/8/2026 | Home and away games |
| Draw | Next year (around the same time as the play-offs in June) | Confirmation as per the organizer's 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 next tournament date to mark its 30th anniversary, a truly significant milestone in the tournament's development."
We are immensely grateful to the fans across the region who have shown unwavering passion and dedication to this league since its inception in 1996. We look forward to celebrating this proud heritage alongside millions of Southeast Asian fans, together with our new partner, Hyundai Motor Company, as we elevate the league to a major international event and further solidify its strong legacy for decades to come.”
Context and Significance of the 30th Anniversary
The Southeast Asian Football Championship will still maintain its schedule despite rumors of being affected by the FIFA ASEAN Cup. 2026 also marks the 30th anniversary of the first AFF Cup held in Singapore in 1996, highlighting the continuity and legacy of the regional tournament.
The reigning champion
The Vietnamese national team is the defending champion, having defeated the Thai national team with a total score of 5-3 in the final of the 2024 ASEAN Cup.
