The FIFA ASEAN Cup, which took place for the first time recently, is now under scrutiny regarding its future. According to journalist John Duerden, the tournament's existence is questionable given the traditional ASEAN Cup, which has been held since 1996 and is well-established in the region.

The FIFA ASEAN Cup was introduced in October 2025 during a meeting in Kuala Lumpur led by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Despite the announcement of this new tournament, many in Southeast Asia see little need for it, especially since the ASEAN Cup has a rich history spanning over 30 years.

The Vietnamese national team, which recently won the ASEAN Cup by defeating Thailand with an aggregate score of 4-2, is now being compared to the newly formed FIFA tournament. Duerden highlights that while the FIFA ASEAN Cup was created to attract a larger audience, including potential viewers from China and India, both countries declined invitations to participate.

Broadcasting interest has also been lukewarm, with many regional countries hesitating to secure broadcasting rights. Notably, Thailand did not purchase rights, forcing fans to watch the final on FIFA's free channels.

One of the key advantages of the FIFA ASEAN Cup was its scheduling during international match windows, benefiting teams like Indonesia, which has a large pool of players competing in Europe. However, the tournament faced controversies, including a dramatic final where Indonesia triumphed over Thailand in a penalty shootout after a thrilling 2-2 draw.

As the dust settles on the inaugural event, questions arise about the tournament's viability and whether it can coexist with the traditional ASEAN Cup. Duerden suggests that the future of the FIFA ASEAN Cup may depend on Infantino's ability to maintain his position within FIFA and whether the tournament can prove its worth in the competitive landscape of international football.