JAKARTA, Sept 25 — The International Association Football Federation's (FIFA) Secretary General Mattias Grafström said the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 could potentially return in four years’ time, subject to discussions involving the world governing body, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and member associations.
FIFA’s immediate priority was to ensure the maiden edition of the regional tournament was delivered successfully before considering plans for its next staging.
He said the timing and calendar for any future edition would require a collective decision by FIFA, the AFC, and the member associations.
“Well, this is the first time we are doing it, and I think let us first focus on this tournament. But I believe, hopefully, it will be a great success, and we are looking at doing a potential next edition then in four years’ time.
“But then, of course, this is teamwork between us, the member association, AFC, and FIFA to look at what is the best calendar. But first, we want to make sure that this edition is a big success,” he told the media when met at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium tonight.
Earlier, the FIFA ASEAN Cup was officially opened today with Malaysia getting off to a winning start after beating Bangladesh 3-0.
FIFA introduced the ASEAN Cup at the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur last year through a collaboration between FIFA and ASEAN, aiming to use football to bring communities together, strengthen sporting development, and create greater opportunities for the game.
The inaugural tournament, held from September 24 to October 5, features 14 teams, with eight competing in Division 1 in Indonesia — split equally between Jakarta and Bandung — while the remaining six teams contest Division 2 in Hong Kong.
Division 1 Group A comprises hosts Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Bangladesh, while Group B features Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Pakistan.
