FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026: New Guest Team Revealed

According to a VNA correspondent in Jakarta, FIFA contacted Bangladesh after India decided to withdraw from the tournament. On August 14, the National Team Committee (NTC) of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) met to discuss the invitation and ultimately decided to participate.

According to BFF Executive Committee member Sayed Hasan Kanon, Bangladesh chose to participate in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 to prepare for the South Asian Football Championship (SAFF).

Previously, India was among the three guest teams for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, along with Pakistan and Hong Kong (China). However, the South Asian team requested to withdraw because their friendly match against Brazil on October 3 coincides with the tournament. FIFA did not approve India's proposal to send a B team or U23 squad.

With Bangladesh accepting the invitation to the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, the team will replace India in Group A of the top division, alongside hosts Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Bangladesh is currently ranked 181st in the FIFA rankings. Participating in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 will be an opportunity for the team to compete against strong regional opponents in an expanded tournament.