OFFICIAL: AFF makes decision regarding Cambodia's withdrawal from the tournament

09/03/2026 17:22:00 FieldFrenzy

The Southeast Asian Football Federation (AFF) has issued its final decision concerning Cambodia's unexpected withdrawal from the Southeast Asian Futsal Championship.

According to the March 9 announcement from the Southeast Asian Football Federation (AFF), the 2026 Southeast Asian Futsal Championship will not include the Cambodian team as originally planned. Cambodia decided to withdraw despite the recent draw results. Following this change, AFF has also adjusted the tournament schedule.

Since Cambodia was in Group B with five teams, after their withdrawal, the group now has four teams, matching the number in Group A. Therefore, AFF decided to keep the original draw results and not conduct a re-draw. Specifically, Group A includes Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Timor-Leste. Meanwhile, Group B consists of Indonesia, Australia, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam.

CHÍNH THỨC: AFF ra phán quyết về việc ĐT Campuchia bỏ giải 804422 — Cambodia was initially placed in Group B but later unexpectedly withdrew from the tournament

According to the adjusted schedule, the tournament will take place from April 6 to 12, 2026 at the Nonthaburi Arena. Teams will play a single round-robin in the group stage from April 6 to 8 to determine the top two teams from each group advancing to the semifinals (April 10). The third-place match and final are scheduled for April 12.

In the group stage, the Vietnamese futsal team will face Myanmar on April 6, Timor-Leste on April 7, and host Thailand on April 8. The two best-performing teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals, continuing to compete for a spot in the tournament final.

CHÍNH THỨC: AFF ra phán quyết về việc ĐT Campuchia bỏ giải 804425 — The 2026 Southeast Asian Futsal Championship adjusts schedule after Cambodia's withdrawal

It is also noteworthy that the Vietnamese and Thai futsal teams seem to have a "fated rivalry," often being drawn into the same group in recent international tournaments. For example, in both the 2024 and 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup finals, the draw results consistently placed the two teams in the same group.

Group B features reigning champion Indonesia, Australia, Malaysia, and Brunei, promising lively developments, especially the competitions among strong teams like Indonesia, Australia, and Malaysia.

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