FIFA ASEAN Cup Draw: India and Pakistan Set for Group Stage Challenges

The inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 draw took place on Wednesday, revealing the group placements for the participating teams. India has been assigned to Group A of Division 1, where they will face off against host nation Indonesia, as well as Singapore and Malaysia. Meanwhile, Group B consists of Pakistan, along with Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines. All matches in Division 1, commonly referred to as the Premier Division, will be hosted in Indonesia, setting the stage for an exciting tournament. In addition to Division 1, there is a Division 2, also known as the Challenge Division, which features six teams: Timor-Leste, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Brunei, Laos, and Cambodia. These teams have been organized into two groups, with all matches scheduled to take place in Hong Kong.

The FIFA ASEAN Cup was introduced by FIFA President Gianni Infantino in 2025, with the aim of enhancing football development throughout Southeast Asia. The tournament is set to occur from September 21 to October 6, 2026, coinciding with the FIFA international window. This new competition will run alongside the existing biennial ASEAN Championship, which has been a staple in the region since its inception in 1996. Thailand holds the record as the most successful nation in the ASEAN Championship's history, having secured the title seven times, showcasing the competitive spirit of Southeast Asian football.