ASEAN Championship marks 30th anniversary
MANILA, Philippines — The ASEAN Championship, the jewel in the crown for Southeast Asia’s national teams and now named the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 after its new title partner, will celebrate its 30th anniversary next July and August, when the 11 top national teams from across the region face off for the coveted title of “Champions of ASEAN”.
The 2026 edition will be the sixteenth time the member associations of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) have gone head-to-head to be crowned Champions of ASEAN in the biennial regional competition since the inaugural championship was played in Singapore in 1996.
Global smart mobility leader Hyundai Motor Company will sponsor the event for the first time as Vietnam attempts to retain the title it claimed last year with a 5-3 aggregate victory over Thailand in the final.
“The ASEAN Hyundai Cup stands as Southeast Asia’s premier international football competition, and we are delighted to confirm the dates for its next edition as the tournament marks its 30th anniversary which is a truly significant milestone in its evolution. We are deeply grateful to our supporters across the region who have demonstrated unwavering passion for and devotion to this tournament since its inception in 1996. We look forward to honoring the Hyundai Cup’s distinguished heritage with millions of ASEAN fans along with our new title partner, Hyundai Motor Company, as we continue our journey to elevate the competition into a major international event and further strengthen its powerful legacy for the decades to come,” said AFF President Major General Khiev Sameth.
“At Hyundai, we believe football is more than just a sport, it’s a powerful platform that unites and empowers communities, reflecting our vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’. With over 26 years of global football legacy, Hyundai is proud to partner with the AFF as the title partner of the Hyundai Cup, marking the tournament’s 30th anniversary, a celebration of legacy and progress. Hyundai takes another step in its mission to create impact beyond mobility, using the power of football to unite and inspire millions across ASEAN,” added Sunny Kim, president of Hyundai Motor Asia Pacific.
The official draw for the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 will be conducted next year at a date to be announced, with the playoffs to determine the final group stage lineup to be held on a home-and-away basis on June 2 and 9.
The 10-nation group stage will commence on July 24 and run until August 8, with matches to be played in a single round-robin format throughout the region. The home-and-away knockout rounds will commence on August 15 and conclude on August 26.
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