Official: The team replacing India to participate in the FIFA ASEAN Cup revealed

Following India's withdrawal, Bangladesh formally agreed to take part in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 in Indonesia, viewing it as a valuable chance to gain experience ahead of the SAFF Championship.

The Bangladesh Football Federation decided to accept the invitation to participate in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 in Indonesia after India withdrew, considering it a crucial opportunity to prepare for the SAFF Championship.

The Bangladesh national team will become the replacement for India at the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 after the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) agreed to accept the invitation from host Indonesia.

The decision was made during a meeting of the National Team Committee (NTC) of the BFF on August 14. Earlier, Indonesia had contacted Bangladesh after India decided to withdraw from the tournament due to needing to focus on preparing for a friendly match against Brazil.

The FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 is a tournament financially supported by FIFA, with 8 teams participating in the Premier Division. The teams are divided into two groups and will compete in Indonesia from September 24 to October 6.

NTC member and BFF Executive Committee member Sayed Hasan Kanon said that BFF President Tabith Awal consulted members on whether to accept the invitation to participate in the tournament or to organize a 4-team tournament in Dhaka.

After the discussion process, all NTC members unanimously agreed to choose the option of going to Indonesia to compete. “We unanimously agreed to participate in the FIFA ASEAN Cup because it is part of the preparation plan for the upcoming SAFF Championship. Bangladesh will have the opportunity to face stronger teams,” Kanon shared.

According to a BFF official, participating in the tournament in Indonesia not only brings professional value but also helps Bangladesh save significant organizational costs. The team will receive a support fund for participating teams, while host Indonesia covers accommodation and airfare costs. “Bangladesh will receive a participation fee, and the host will take care of accommodation and airfare. This is a more reasonable option than organizing a 4-team tournament in Dhaka,” Kanon said.

After agreeing on the plan, the BFF President and the secretariat will carry out the necessary procedures, including sending an official confirmation letter to the organizers. For Bangladesh, the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 is expected to be an important rehearsal before the SAFF Championship, especially as the team will have the opportunity to face opponents of higher quality and intensity.