Jakarta, ThedailyID — India has withdrawn from the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 to prioritize a friendly against Brazil.
The All India Football Federation confirmed the decision on Thursday, August 13. India will instead focus on its match against Brazil on October 3.
The scheduling conflict made it impossible for India to compete in both tournaments during the same FIFA international window.
India’s withdrawal leaves Indonesia with two confirmed opponents in Group A: Singapore and Malaysia. The group originally also included India.
FIFA has yet to announce whether India will receive a replacement team. However, reports indicate that the tournament could bring in another team from outside Southeast Asia.
The FIFA ASEAN Cup is a new FIFA-sanctioned competition designed around Southeast Asian national teams. India and China were invited as guest participants, while Pakistan replaced China after its withdrawal.
The tournament’s format gives added importance to every group match. Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore will now have to compete for the top position in Group A.
The group winner will advance to the final, meaning Indonesia cannot afford many mistakes during the competition.
For Indonesia, the changes also make the tournament an opportunity to face familiar regional opponents. Malaysia and Singapore remain the two confirmed teams standing between the Garuda squad and the final.
The final composition of Group A, however, depends on FIFA’s decision regarding India’s replacement.
