Harimau Malaya aim to turn new-look squad into winning start at Fifa Asean Cup

The inaugural Fifa Asean Cup 2026 begins this week, with Malaysia hoping to kickstart a new era as Harimau Malaya aim to rebuild confidence and demonstrate they can compete with Southeast Asia's top teams. The squad, drawn into Group A alongside Indonesia, Bangladesh and Singapore, will face off in Jakarta and Bandung from September 25 to October 5.

Interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe's team opens their tournament against Bangladesh at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Friday, followed by a match against Indonesia at the same venue on Monday, before concluding their group stage against Singapore on October 1 at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung. The addition of naturalised and heritage players Bergson da Silva, Manuel Hidalgo and Brad Tapp injects new depth to Malaysia's attack, promising more options for Cheng Hoe.

Although the tournament does not guarantee a deep run, it presents invaluable experience for the side set to face upcoming 2030/AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. Among the group, Bangladesh, ranked 181st globally, presents an opportunity for a positive start, while Malaysia's encounter against traditional rivals Indonesia carries significant weight, both in terms of tactics and mental strength.

The top two teams in Group A will advance to the final on October 5, while the runners-up will compete for third place on the same day. For Malaysia, the key lies in playing with courage when in control, maintaining discipline when defense is required, and capitalizing on scoring opportunities when they present themselves.