The upcoming ASEAN Futsal Championship 2026 has undergone a schedule adjustment after the Cambodia national futsal team officially withdrew from the tournament, prompting organizers to revise the group stage format.
The competition, which will be hosted by Thailand, was initially set to feature nine participating nations. However, Cambodia’s withdrawal reduced the field to eight teams, forcing the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) to rebalance the group-stage draw.
Prior to the withdrawal, the tournament draw conducted on March 1 placed nine teams into two groups — one containing four teams and the other five.
The participating nations were originally: Thailand (hosts), Indonesia, Vietnam, Australia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Timor-Leste, Cambodia and Brunei.
Following Cambodia’s exit after the draw and match schedule had already been finalized, organizers decided to restructure the competition so that each group now contains four teams, ensuring a balanced format.
Official Group Stage Line-Up
Group A: Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Timor-Leste
Group B: Indonesia, Australia, Malaysia, Brunei
The group stage will be played in a round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals before the finalists are determined.
The championship is scheduled to take place from April 5 to April 13, 2026 (subject to possible changes) at the Nonthaburi PAO Gymnasium, Nonthaburi.
The tournament returns with high expectations as regional teams battle for futsal supremacy in Southeast Asia.
Credit Photo : FFC
