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Sports2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup group draw: Pakistan replaces China in top tier
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The inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup group draw has been announced, with Pakistan replacing China in the top-tier group after the Chinese Football Association declined the invitation. The top-tier teams include Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Pakistan, divided into Group A (Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Singapore) and Group B (Vietnam, Pakistan, Thailand, Philippines). The second-tier group consists of Hong Kong China, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei, and Timor-Leste. The tournament will be held from September 21 to October 6, with top-tier matches in Indonesia and second-tier matches in Hong Kong China. Both tiers use a single round-robin format, with group winners advancing to the final and runners-up competing for third place. China will instead participate in a five-nation invitational tournament in Chongqing against Uzbekistan, North Korea, Tajikistan, and Palestine as preparation for the 2027 Asian Cup.
Source report
Hupu Football News
3 minutes ago
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Hupu, July 29 – The participating teams and group draw for the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup have been confirmed. After the Chinese Football Association declined its invitation, Pakistan replaced China and entered the top-tier group of eight teams.
Tier Breakdown
- Top-tier group: Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Pakistan
- Second-tier group: Hong Kong China, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei, Timor-Leste
Top-Tier Group Draw
- Group A: Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Singapore
- Group B: Vietnam, Pakistan, Thailand, Philippines
Tournament Schedule & Format
The ASEAN Cup will be held during the international match window from September 21 to October 6.
- Top-tier matches will take place in Indonesia.
- Second-tier matches will be hosted by Hong Kong China.
- Both tiers are divided into two groups for a single round-robin format.
- Group winners advance directly to the final; group runners-up compete in the third-place match.
China's Decision
China was originally invited to participate in the top tier but ultimately withdrew. Instead, China will take part in a five-nation invitational tournament in Chongqing, with opponents including Uzbekistan, North Korea, Tajikistan, and Palestine, as part of preparations for the 2027 Asian Cup.
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Source: X International Football News
Posted in Shanghai Reads: 375
All Replies
Why withdraw? Could earn points, isn't that good? I see in October only a few friendlies in Chongqing, isn't that worse than playing this? Likes (0) | Reply
Hong Kong and Myanmar are both stronger than Pakistan. Yet they end up in a lower tier. Likes (0) | Reply
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虎扑 - 足球Regional
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2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup Group Draw Released; Pakistan Replaces China in Top Tier