The Southeast Asian Football Federation (AFF) delivers unfavorable news to Vietnam for 2026

The Southeast Asian Football Federation (AFF) has released a significant update regarding Vietnam’s football scene in 2026, leading to considerable regret among supporters.

AFF revealed its competition schedule for 2026, featuring a total of nine national team tournaments across Southeast Asia. Notably, Vietnam was not selected to host any of these events, except for hosting home matches under the home-and-away format of the ASEAN Hyundai Cup. This means that local fans will have limited chances to watch Vietnamese national teams play live at home in AFF competitions next year.

According to the published calendar, the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 will take place from July 24 to August 26 using the familiar home-and-away system. This tournament is the most prestigious within AFF’s framework and always draws the highest attention from regional fans. The absence of additional hosting opportunities only amplifies the sense of disappointment, especially since Vietnam has long been a regular venue for Southeast Asian football eventsand enjoys strong fan support for every national team level when playing at home.

Thailand continues to assert its central role in hosting by organizing numerous major tournaments. The country will hold the Southeast Asian Women’s Futsal Championship, Southeast Asian Futsal Championship, Beach Soccer Championship, and two youth women’s futsal events for U16 and U19 teams, spanning from February to December 2026.

Indonesia has been assigned to host two men’s tournaments: the U17 Southeast Asian Championship from April 11 to 23 and the U19 Southeast Asian Championship from June 1 to 14. These competitions are crucial platforms for youth player development and training.

Malaysia is the remaining nation on the hosting list, organizing the AFF Women’s Cup from July 17 to 26. Thus, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia almost entirely cover the hosting duties for regional competitions in 2026.

Although Vietnam was not granted hosting rights by AFF, it still has the chance to organize some continental-level AFC tournaments if it meets the necessary hosting criteria.