FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026: Bangladesh replaces India in Group A

The FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 features significant roster changes and tournament developments. Bangladesh has officially agreed to replace India in the tournament, joining Group A alongside Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. The Bangladesh Football Federation views the competition as vital preparation for the upcoming SAFF Championship, noting that the host will provide accommodation and airfare.

In the tournament's competitive landscape, Malaysia and Vietnam are set for a high-stakes semifinal showdown. Vietnam enters the match as favorites according to prediction models, holding a superior head-to-head record and a higher FIFA ranking. The matchup highlights key players such as Malaysia's captain Paulo Josué and Vietnam's naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son.

The tournament structure includes a Premier Division hosted by Indonesia, with Group A consisting of Indonesia, India (replaced by Bangladesh), Malaysia, and Singapore, while Group B includes Vietnam, Pakistan, Thailand, and the Philippines.