FIFA ASEAN Cup Officially Launched, New Era of Southeast Asian Football Begins
Source: Football Association of Indonesia
The Southeast Asian football world is set to welcome a prestigious new tournament. FIFA has officially launched the FIFA ASEAN Cup, an event that will feature member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
This competition results from collaboration between FIFA and ASEAN, inaugurated at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
According to FIFA's official release, the agreement was signed directly by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn.
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Infantino described this tournament as a significant milestone in Southeast Asia's football development.
“The new agreement between FIFA and ASEAN will ensure both organizations can help create change by using football as a vehicle to bring hope and joy to millions of children and youth across Southeast Asia,” stated Gianni Infantino in FIFA's official release.
“He hopes the established partnership will help drive positive football development, social progress, and promotion of healthy lifestyles throughout the region,” he added.
The FIFA ASEAN Cup is planned to include all 11 ASEAN member nations: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei Darussalam, and Timor-Leste.
However, FIFA has yet to announce the official format for this inaugural 2025 ASEAN Cup. This development raises questions as Southeast Asia already hosts a similar tournament organized by the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) – the ASEAN Championship, previously known as the Tiger Cup and AFF Cup.
This ASEAN nations' tournament has been held biennially since 1996. With FIFA ASEAN Cup's arrival, major questions emerge about whether the new competition will merge with the ASEAN Championship or operate independently under FIFA's banner.
Regardless of the final format, FIFA ASEAN Cup's presence is anticipated to become a major catalyst for football advancement in Southeast Asia – spanning youth development, competition quality, and international competitiveness.
