ASIATODAY.ID, KUALA LUMPUR — FIFA has officially launched the FIFA ASEAN Cup, a new international tournament featuring 11 Southeast Asian nations, marking a historic milestone for regional football.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the event as a celebration of unity and a fresh spirit of cooperation across ASEAN through football.
“The FIFA ASEAN Cup was created for this region, involving all 11 ASEAN member countries. This tournament will have a major impact not only in Southeast Asia but also globally,” Infantino said on October 26, 2025 as quoted by Berita Harian Malaysia.
A Symbol of ASEAN Solidarity
Infantino emphasized that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FIFA and ASEAN nations represents a significant moment for regional sports diplomacy.
“The number 11 itself is symbolic in football — a team has 11 players. Now, ASEAN has its complete team of 11 nations ready to chase glory together,” he added.
The participating countries are Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei Darussalam, and Timor-Leste.
FIFA Targets 700 Million Fans in Southeast Asia
Infantino noted that Southeast Asia is home to one of the largest and most passionate football fan bases in the world.
“With over 700 million active supporters, FIFA aims to contribute more to ASEAN and build initiatives that strengthen the region’s football community,” he stated.
The Future of AFF Championship in Question
Southeast Asia already has a long-standing football tournament — the AFF Cup, now rebranded as the ASEAN Championship, which has been held for 29 years.
However, it remains unclear whether the FIFA ASEAN Cup will replace the AFF tournament or exist as a new FIFA-sanctioned event.
Football observers believe this initiative could elevate the competitiveness of ASEAN teams, attract global attention, and allow more diaspora players to represent their home nations in an officially recognized tournament. (AT Network)
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