The inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup™ has kicked off in Hong Kong, China and Indonesia, providing new opportunities for 14 teams to play meaningful international matches and, in turn, helping to grow the sport across Southeast Asia.

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström attended the opening games at the Mong Kok Stadium in Hong Kong, China, watching Laos beat Brunei Darussalam 3-1 and Myanmar overcome Timor-Leste 2-0 on 24 September.

The tournament continued in Jakarta on 25 September, where Malaysia beat Bangladesh 3-0 and Indonesia overcame Singapore 2-0 in front of a passionate crowd of around 38,000 at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. During the evening, Mr Grafström joined the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) President Erick Thohir on the pitch to present the tournament trophy alongside football legends representing the participating Member Associations (MAs).

“We are very happy to be working together with the football associations of Hong Kong, China and Indonesia to deliver the first FIFA ASEAN Cup. This is a historic occasion for football in the region, and I would like to thank both associations and their teams for their hard work, excellent cooperation and warm hospitality,” said FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström. “It has been a pleasure to be at the opening matches in both host locations and to see the excitement that this new tournament is creating.”

“There is so much passion for football across this region. By working closely with both host associations and all the participating teams, we have a great opportunity to build on that enthusiasm and help the game grow,” he added. “Playing during the international window allows teams to bring together their best players from clubs around the world, adding to the excitement of the regional rivalries. We are looking forward to a lot of great football and to making this first edition a success together.”

Mr Grafström also visited the new FIFA office in Jakarta, highlighting the close cooperation between FIFA and PSSI. The office provides a valuable base for strengthening collaboration with the Indonesian Football Association and supporting the development of football across the region.

The tournament, being played between 24 September and 5 October, features 14 teams. They include 11 ASEAN nations – Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam – along with guests Bangladesh, Hong Kong, China and Pakistan. The Indonesian city of Bandung is also hosting matches alongside Jakarta.

The new tournament was created after FIFA and ASEAN renewed their Memorandum of Understanding at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 26 October 2025.