India to Participate in Inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup

On 6th May 2026, India signed an agreement with FIFA to participate in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup expected later in 2026.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) accepted FIFA’s invitation and signed the participation agreement for the tournament.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino had announced the new tournament during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
The tournament is expected to provide India with quality international matches during the September-October FIFA window.
India recently failed to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2027.
India will also participate in the Unity Cup in London later this month under coach Khalid Jamil.
Four Southeast Asian nations - Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore - have qualified for the AFC Asian Cup 2027.