Bangladesh to participate in inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup as India exits

Dhaka: Bangladesh will take part in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup in Indonesia as the National Teams Committee (NTC) of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) agreed to accept an invitation from the tournament organizers on August 14.

The hosts approached Bangladesh after India withdrew from the tournament, citing preparations for an international friendly against Brazil, according to media reports.

NTC member and BFF executive committee member Sayed Hasan Kanon said BFF president and NTC chairman Tabith Awal had sought members' opinions on whether to join the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup or host a four-nation tournament in Dhaka instead.

"We unanimously gave our opinion to take part in the FIFA ASEAN Cup as part of the Bangladesh team's preparation for the upcoming SAFF Championship, as Bangladesh will face better opponents," Kanon said.

He added that Bangladesh will also receive participation money, while the hosts will cover accommodation and airfare, making it a more attractive option than organizing a four-nation event at home.

The former national goalkeeper said the BFF president and secretariat would now proceed with formalities, including sending a formal acceptance letter to the organizers.

Backed by FIFA funding, the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, scheduled to run from September 24 to October 4, will feature a two-division format, with Indonesia hosting the Premier Division and Hong Kong hosting the Challenge Division.

The tournament is expected to give Indonesia's tourism and hospitality sectors a notable boost. The event has been described as an opportunity for the country to strengthen its reputation as a sports tourism destination

Host cities are anticipating a surge in visitor traffic, hotel bookings, and related spending as fans travel from across the region to attend, delivering lasting benefits for tourism and regional cooperation.