FIFA President Gianni Infantino unveiled the FIFA ASEAN Cup, a new regional tournament involving all 11 Southeast Asian countries, during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, 2025. The announcement followed the signing of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding between FIFA and ASEAN to boost football development in the region. The competition will align with FIFA's International Match Calendar to feature top players and enhance the sport's growth among 700 million people.
The FIFA ASEAN Cup aims to unite national teams from ASEAN member states, including the newly admitted Timor-Leste as the 11th member. Infantino highlighted the symbolic significance of the number 11, noting it matches the players on a football team. The tournament draws inspiration from the Arab Cup, first organized by FIFA in 2021, and is expected to provide a platform for regional football to shine globally.
Infantino emphasized the initiative's potential during the signing ceremony at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. 'Football unites the world and together with all 11 ASEAN countries, we are creating the FIFA ASEAN Cup. It’s a tournament that will bring the region together and become a huge success,' he said. He added that the event will occur within FIFA's international match window, allowing players from worldwide leagues to participate, unlike the existing biennial ASEAN Championship, recently won by Vietnam in January 2025.
The renewed MoU, signed by Infantino and ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn and witnessed by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, focuses on key pillars: game integrity, safe match environments, and education through football for all genders and ages. Anwar described the partnership as reflecting a shared vision to empower youth via sports, prioritizing exposure and training for young leaders.
FIFA will collaborate with the Asian Football Confederation, ASEAN Football Federation, and member associations to finalize the tournament format. No specific details on scheduling or structure were provided, but the initiative underscores FIFA's commitment to expanding football in Southeast Asia.