Competitions such as the FIFA ASEAN Challenge Cup 2026™ are valuable because they create more playing opportunities for national teams, strengthen regional connections and create new chances for fans to engage with the sport, according to the Chairman of the Football Association of Hong Kong China (HKFA), Erik Fok. Hong Kong, China hosted the inaugural edition of the six-team tournament, played during the September-October international window, and Mr Fok said he believed it would leave an important legacy around the region.

The new tournament, along with the FIFA ASEAN Cup™, was created after FIFA and ASEAN renewed their Memorandum of Understanding at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 26 October 2025. Running concurrently, the two tournaments featured 14 teams, including all 11 ASEAN nations plus three guests. The FIFA ASEAN Challenge Cup™ was the first FIFA tournament to be hosted in Hong Kong and Mr Fok said it was an important milestone for football development in the region.

“For the HKFA, hosting this tournament is both an honour and a responsibility. It demonstrates the confidence that FIFA has placed in Hong Kong, China, and it also reflects our determination to contribute to the development of football in Asia,” he said, adding that there would be knock-on effects in the future. “Hosting the inaugural FIFA ASEAN (Challenge) Cup gives us valuable experience and creates a foundation for future international competitions or events. By building closer connections with FIFA, ASEAN associations and other Asian partners, Hong Kong, China can continue to contribute to the development of football across the region,” he said.

The FIFA ASEAN Challenge Cup brought together Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Hong Kong, China, Laos, Myanmar and Timor Leste, with the majority of matches played at the Kai Tak Stadium in Kowloon. Hong Kong, China became the first winners, beating Cambodia 2-0 in the final in front of 31,374 fans.

“This type of tournament is valuable because it gives teams more opportunities to play competitive international matches, rather than relying only on occasional friendly fixtures. It also helps associations strengthen their sporting and organisational capabilities,” Mr Fok said. “Meaningful competition is essential for player development, particularly for young players who are building their international careers… The tournament should provide our team players and young footballers with greater international exposure and a better understanding of the level required to compete in the region.” For the fans, the tournament could bring “excitement, memorable matches and a stronger connection with international football”.

Mr Fok said that support from FIFA’s programmes had been invaluable in developing football in Hong Kong, China. “The introduction of VAR, supported by the FIFA Forward Programme providing valuable training for local referees and video match officials, is a big step for our refereeing development,” he said. “Through (FIFA) Football for Schools, more children have been given the opportunity to experience football in an inclusive and structured environment, while developing teamwork, discipline and a healthy lifestyle. The FIFA Talent Development Scheme has also helped the HKFA adopt a more structured approach to identifying and developing young players… reflecting our commitment to the long-term development of women’s and girls’ football.”

Together, he said, these projects were helping to strengthen the football pathway in Hong Kong, China – from grassroots participation and schools to youth development, elite performance and the representative teams. Crucially, he believed the tournament could inspire more young people to participate in football. “When they see international players competing in Hong Kong, China, they can better understand the opportunities that football can offer and develop their own ambitions in the sport,” he said. “A successful tournament can encourage children to take up the sport, attract more fans to stadiums and create greater interest in women’s, youth and grassroots football.”