Defending champions Vietnam will begin their ASEAN Hyundai Cup™ 2026 title defence away from home on July 24, travelling to face either Timor-Leste or Brunei Darussalam after the official match schedule for the Group Stage was confirmed on Friday.

Singapore will also open their campaign on the road, taking on Cambodia, as the region’s premier international tournament prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary with a packed opening weekend.

Seven-time champions Thailand will launch their bid for a record-extending eighth title in Laos on July 25, while Myanmar host Malaysia in another early highlight as Group B action gets underway.

Vietnam, drawn in Group A, will play two home matches during the Group Stage. Kim Sang-sik’s side host four-time winners Singapore on July 31 before travelling to Indonesia for a high-profile clash on August 3. The reigning champions will conclude their group campaign at home against Cambodia on August 7, the same day Singapore welcome Indonesia.

Indonesia, under new head coach John Herdman, begin their quest for a first ASEAN Championship title on July 27 with a home fixture against Cambodia. The Indonesians have finished runners-up on six occasions and again enter the tournament among the contenders.

“There’s no easy draw, Group A or B here,” Herdman said. “You’re going to be relying on players who have been dying to represent their country. Operating with depth is typically what these tournaments are about.”

Singapore head coach Gavin Lee said his side welcomed the challenge posed by a demanding schedule.

“There’s going to be some exciting games. It’s not going to be easy but that’s something we already expected before the draw,” Lee said. “As part of our preparation for the Asian Cup, we want to be pushed, to be tested, to be put in uncomfortable positions and we’ve got that with this draw.”

Thailand will play their first home match of the tournament against 2010 champions Malaysia on August 1. Anthony Hudson’s side then travel to face the Philippines on August 4 before hosting Myanmar in their final Group B fixture on August 8.

“We’re happy with the group, how it’s all been placed,” Hudson said. “There will be no easy games, all the teams are very competitive.”

The Philippines, semi-finalists in 2024, will kick off their campaign at home against Myanmar on July 28 as they continue their pursuit of a maiden ASEAN Championship title.

Head coach Carles Cuadrat said his team was eager for the challenge ahead.

“We know it’s going to be a very interesting test for us,” he said. “Thailand are always in the top stages of the competition and we played them in the semi-finals in the last edition, so it will be a very interesting match.”

Before the Group Stage begins, Timor-Leste and Brunei Darussalam will contest a two-legged playoff on June 2 and 9 to determine the final team in Group A.

The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals, which will be played over two legs on August 15–16 and August 18–19. The tournament will conclude with a two-legged final on August 22 and 26.

Photo Credit: SPORTFIVE

Further details regarding match schedules, venues and kick-off times will be announced on Friday, January 16. Fans can follow updates year-round via ASEANUtdFC.com and the official @aseanutdfc social media channels.