FIFA makes a surprising decision, the Vietnam national team faces major changes

FIFA is considering raising the number of teams in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 from 14 to 16, which could change the tournament structure and the rivals of the Vietnam national team ahead of the draw.

The Vietnam national team will likely have to prepare for an entirely new scenario at the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 as the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) weighs adjusting the tournament's scale just weeks before the draw.

According to the latest information, the most powerful organization in world football is examining the possibility of expanding the number of participating teams FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 from 14 to 16. If this plan is approved, the tournament format will undergo significant changes, meaning the opponents of the Vietnam national team may no longer be the same as originally expected.

Previously, FIFA had approved a plan to organize the tournament with 14 teams, divided into two tiers based on the FIFA rankings. In this setup, Tier 1 consists of the eight strongest teams in the region, while Tier 2 comprises six teams.

However, FIFA is now considering inviting two additional teams so that both tiers have eight teams each. The goal of this change is to ensure that all participating teams play four matches during the FIFA Days in September and October, thereby increasing the competitiveness and professional value of the tournament.

This move also means that the journey of the Vietnam national team at the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 could include unexpected variables. Although Coach Kim Sang-sik's side is certain to be in Tier 1 due to their FIFA ranking position, the identities of the two teams that FIFA is considering inviting have not yet been announced. Therefore, the matchups and opponents of the Vietnam national team could change when the official draw takes place.

According to the current plan, Tier 1 of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 includes top teams: Vietnam, China, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and India. If FIFA decides to add two more teams, the organizers will have to adjust the match schedule and the tournament structure to ensure balance between the two tiers.

The FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place during the FIFA Days in September and October, with the draw ceremony set for August. Therefore, the final decision on expanding the tournament is likely to be announced by FIFA soon.

As the Vietnam national team actively prepares for important goals under Coach Kim Sang-sik, any changes to the format or list of opponents could significantly impact their professional plans. Therefore, FIFA's upcoming decision is receiving special attention from fans and participating teams, as it could create a completely new look for the first-ever FIFA ASEAN Cup in history.