**Singapore, Jan. 7, 2026 —** The **ASEAN Hyundai Cup™ 2026**, Southeast Asia’s flagship international men’s football tournament, is set to celebrate its **30th anniversary** with confirmed dates and major milestones that mark a new chapter in the competition’s storied history. ([ASEAN United FC][1])
Organised by the **ASEAN Football Federation (AFF)** and now backed by global automotive leader **Hyundai Motor Company** as title partner, the 2026 edition will be the **16th staging of the biennial regional championship** — a competition that has become the pinnacle of football in Southeast Asia since its inception in 1996. ([ASEAN United FC][1])
### Historic Scheduling & Anniversary Celebration
For the first time in its history, the tournament will be played during a **summer window**, running from **July 24 to August 26, 2026**. Traditionally held towards the end of the calendar year, the move to a mid-year schedule aligns with the global football calendar and gives national teams a better opportunity to field their strongest squads outside the congested club season. ([ESPN.com][2])
The competition’s **group stage** will feature ten national teams from across the ASEAN region, playing in a **single round-robin format** from July 24 to August 8. Following that, the **home-and-away knockout rounds** — including semi-finals and finals — will take place from August 15 and culminate on August 26. Play-offs to determine the final group-stage qualifiers are scheduled for **June 2 and June 9, 2026**. ([ASEAN United FC][1])
### Official Draw & Build-Up
The much-anticipated **official draw** to determine the group compositions will be held on **January 15, 2026, in Jakarta**. This event kicks off the formal build-up to the championship, giving fans and teams alike their first look at potential match-ups. ([ESPN.com][3])
### Hyundai’s Role and New Identity
The 2026 edition marks the first time the ASEAN Championship will carry the **Hyundai Cup™** name, reflecting Hyundai Motor Company’s role as the tournament’s title sponsor. This partnership represents a significant boost for the competition, bringing greater commercial support and international visibility as it celebrates three decades of footballing heritage in Southeast Asia. ([ASEAN United FC][1])
Hyundai’s involvement is seen not just as a commercial partnership, but as a strategic collaboration aimed at **uniting communities through sport**. According to Hyundai Motor Asia Pacific leadership, football serves as a powerful platform that resonates with fans across cultures and borders, aligning with the company’s vision of “Progress for Humanity.” ([ESPN.com][2])
### Legacy and Regional Impact
Since its first edition in 1996 — staged in Singapore — the ASEAN Championship has grown in stature and competitive intensity, showcasing emerging talents and fostering fierce regional rivalries. Traditionally dominated by footballing powerhouses such as Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia, the tournament has also been a proving ground for rising teams looking to assert themselves on the international stage. ([ESPN.com][2])
Vietnam enters the 2026 competition as **defending champions**, having retained the trophy in the most recent edition with a thrilling aggregate win over Thailand. ([ASEAN United FC][1])
### Looking Ahead
As excitement builds ahead of July’s kick-off, ASEAN football fans can look forward to a celebration of regional pride, competitive spirit, and the unifying power of sport. With the Hyundai Cup™ name now etched into the tournament’s legacy, the 2026 edition promises to be both a **tribute to 30 years of history** and a **springboard for the future** of Southeast Asian football. ([ASEAN United FC][1])
Let me know if you’d like a breakdown of key teams or group-stage predictions!