ExFunCity Sport News | Harimau Malaya FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 Squad Revealed

The Harimau Malaya FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 squad has officially been revealed, with the Football Association of Malaysia naming 23 players for the tournament in Jakarta and Bandung, Indonesia. Interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe has selected a mix of experienced internationals, established Malaysian stars and several players recently cleared to represent the national team.

Latest Update

FAM announced the 23-man squad on September 17, just over a week before Malaysia begin their campaign. Five players from the previous ASEAN Cup squad have been retained: Azri Ghani, Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili, Sergio Aguero, G. Pavithran and Faris Danish Asrul.

The new Harimau Malaya FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 list also includes several major names. Dion Cools, Daniel Ting, Brad Tapp and La’Vere Corbin-Ong are among the defensive options, while Stuart Wilkin, Nooa Laine and Manuel Hidalgo feature in midfield.

Up front, Malaysia can call on Arif Aiman Hanapi, Bergson da Silva, Faisal Halim, Romel Morales, Pavithran Gunalan and Fergus Tierney.

Hidalgo and Bergson Add New Options

One of the biggest talking points is the inclusion of JDT winger Manuel Hidalgo.

FAM confirmed on September 17 that FIFA had cleared the Argentine-born 27-year-old to represent Malaysia after he completed five years of playing in the country.

Hidalgo joins Bergson da Silva and Brad Tapp, who had already received FIFA clearance, giving Tan Cheng Hoe additional options ahead of the tournament.

Malaysia’s Group and Match Schedule

Malaysia are in Group A alongside hosts Indonesia, Singapore and Bangladesh.

The Harimau Malaya FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 campaign starts against Bangladesh at Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta on September 25.

Malaysia will then face Indonesia at the same venue on September 28 before meeting Singapore at Stadium Si Jalak Harupat in Bandung on October 1.

The Group A winner will advance to the final against the Group B winner on October 5, while the two runners-up will contest the third-place playoff.

What Fans Are Watching

Attention will now be on how quickly the new-look Malaysia squad can build chemistry.

The attacking group gives Malaysia several different options, while the addition of Hidalgo, Bergson and Tapp has created extra interest around the national team.

Local supporters will also be watching Arif Aiman and Faisal Halim, two familiar attacking names capable of adding pace and creativity.

What Comes Next

The players are scheduled to report for centralised training before Malaysia depart for Jakarta on September 22.

That leaves only a few days of final preparation before the opening match against Bangladesh.

With the squad now confirmed, focus shifts from player selection to performances as the Harimau Malaya FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 campaign gets closer.

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