Philippines drawn with Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos in ASEAN Hyundai Cup
Defending champion Vietnam will face Singapore in the Group Stage of the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026, while seven-time winners Thailand will take on Malaysia following the conclusion of the Official Draw in Jakarta Friday for the 30th anniversary of the ASEAN Championship.
The Vietnamese, who won their third ASEAN title in 2024 with a 5-3 aggregate victory over Thailand in the final, were drawn in Group A, where they will also face Indonesia, Cambodia and the winner of the Qualifying Round Play-Off between Brunei Darussalam and Timor-Leste in the home and away single round-robin opening phase.
Thailand, the most successful nation in the history of the competition following title wins in 1996, 2000, 2002, 2014, 2016, 2020 and 2022 have been drawn in Group B, which also features the Philippines, Myanmar and Laos.
"The Draw results highlight the rising quality, competitiveness and ambition of football across our region, setting the stage for a compelling 30th anniversary of the ASEAN Championship when it begins in July. Building on the strong support and engagement of recent editions, the AFF remains steadfast in its commitment to further elevating the tournament’s standards and reach. For three decades, the ASEAN Championship has served as a unifying force, bringing our nations and communities together through a shared passion for the game," said Major General Khiev Sameth, president of the ASEAN Football Federation.
The latest edition of the biennial competition, which was launched in 1996, will run from July 24 to August 26 and will see the 11 Southeast Asian nations face off to be crowned ASEAN champions.
“Through our synergy with the ASEAN Football Federation, the Hyundai Cup serves as a powerful platform that unites people, bringing millions of fans in ASEAN together as one family,” echoed Don Romano, President of Hyundai Motor Asia Pacific.
Brunei Darussalam and Timor-Leste will meet in a home-and-away Qualifying Round Play-Off for a berth in the Group Stage. Brunei Darussalam will host the first leg on June 2 while the return leg will be hosted by Timor-Leste on June 9.
"2026 is a particularly momentous year in ASEAN Championship history. This year, as we celebrate its 30th anniversary, we are also beginning a new chapter for the event with title partner Hyundai Motor Company who have championed football worldwide for nearly as many decades," says Seamus O’Brien, President & Chairman of the Board, SPORTFIVE Asia.
The top two finishers in each group will advance to the home-and-away semifinals, with the first legs to be played on August 15 and 16, and the returns held on August 18 and 19. The two-legged final will be held on August 22 and 26.
“We know it’s going to be a very interesting test for us. We know that all the teams can get you in trouble, but we are positive about our chances and we are excited about the tournament. Thailand are always in the top stages of the competition and we played them in the semifinals in the last edition, so it will be a very interesting match,” said Philippine head coach Carles Cuadrat.
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