# Malaysia national football team ASEAN Cup preparation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/malaysia-national-football-team-asean-cup-preparation
> Updated: 2026-09-17T03:04:10.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 3.

Malaysia national football team coach Tan Cheng Hoe began preparing the squad for the FIFA ASEAN Cup, scheduled for late September to early October 2026. Initial preparations focused on monitoring domestic league performances to finalize a roster that would likely include established players such as Dion Cools, Arif Aiman, La’Vere Corbin-Ong, and Syihan Hazmi.

A significant aspect of the preparation involved the potential inclusion of naturalized and heritage players. Following an initial period of monitoring, FIFA confirmed the eligibility of Bergson da Silva and Brad Tapp to play for Malaysia. Both players are currently with the club Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).

As the tournament approaches, FIFA has officially confirmed that Bergson da Silva, 35, has met the five-year residency requirement, while 25-year-old Brad Tapp is expected to provide versatility in central defense and defensive midfield. 

The squad selection for the 2026 tournament marks a significant shift from the previous ASEAN Hyundai Cup campaign, featuring the inclusion of 13 naturalized players. Because the FIFA ASEAN Cup coincides with FIFA international match days, clubs are required to release their players, providing coach Tan Cheng Hoe with access to a stronger roster than in previous regional competitions. While the status of Bergson and Tapp was finalized, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) previously noted that the eligibility of Manuel Hidalgo and Shane Lowry remained under review by FIFA.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-17: Malaysia football team receives FIFA approval for naturalized players

FIFA has confirmed that Bergson da Silva and Brad Tapp are eligible to represent Malaysia in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, bolstering a squad that includes 13 naturalized players.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/malaysia-football-team-receives-fifa-approval-for-naturalized-players

### 2026-09-14: FIFA clears Bergson da Silva and Brad Tapp for Malaysia national team

FIFA has cleared Bergson da Silva and Brad Tapp to represent Malaysia in the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, while the eligibility of two other JDT players remains under review.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fifa-clears-bergson-da-silva-and-brad-tapp-for-malaysia-national-team

### 2026-08-31: Tan Cheng Hoe prepares Malaysia squad for FIFA ASEAN Cup

Malaysia coach Tan Cheng Hoe is preparing the Harimau Malaya squad for the FIFA ASEAN Cup, potentially utilizing naturalized players like Bergson da Silva to bolster the team.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tan-cheng-hoe-prepares-malaysia-squad-for-fifa-asean-cup

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Cite as: Malaysia national football team ASEAN Cup preparation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/malaysia-national-football-team-asean-cup-preparation