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India are likely to withdraw from the tournament because of the scheduling clash and FIFA’s rejection of the AIFF’s request to field either the U-23 or a B team.
India to pull out of FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. (Picture Credit: X/@IndianFootball)
The Indian men’s football team is likely to pull out of the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup due to a scheduling conflict with its proposed FIFA international friendly against five-time World Cup winners Brazil. India are set to face the Selecao at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on October 4, 2026, while the inaugural edition of the FIFA ASEAN Cup is scheduled to be held in Indonesia from September 24 to October 4.
India are one of the eight teams in the Premier Division of the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup and have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
According to a report by Khel Now, India are likely to withdraw from the tournament because of the scheduling clash and FIFA’s rejection of the AIFF’s request to field either the U-23 or a B team.
As per the report, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is expected to take a final decision on Thursday.
“Several stakeholders believe the Brazil friendly could become a major campaign talking point for Kalyan Chaubey ahead of the next AIFF presidential election, should the match go ahead as planned,” a source was quoted as saying by Khel Now.
While the AIFF is expected to prioritise the Brazil friendly over participation in the FIFA ASEAN Cup, former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia has strongly criticised the proposal to withdraw from the eight-team tournament.
According to Bhutia, India’s first-choice team should compete in the ASEAN Cup as it is a much stronger tournament than the SAFF Championship and would play an important role in the team’s long-term development.
“I strongly insisted that the first team should go and play the FIFA ASEAN Cup. It is a much better competition than the SAFF Championship. Financially, you are also getting a participation fee and, if you do well, there is good prize money to be won. More importantly, it is great for the team’s development. Three or four competitive matches are far more beneficial for the players. It’s a good tournament to play,” Bhutia told Khel Now.
“Brazil is Brazil, and it’s great to play them. But the timing is wrong. You’re playing just one match. What are you going to gain from it in terms of the long-term development of the national team?” he added.
About the Author
Harshit Bisht is a sports journalist at CNN-News18, where he has been covering cricket, football, and major sporting events from around the world since July 1, 2024. Driven by a passion for storytelli…Read More
August 06, 2026, 19:19 IST
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