FIFA ASEAN Cup D2 Opens in Hong Kong; Rubilo Targets Final Showdown with Former Coach Anderson
SingTao · 5 SOURCES1 day ago6 MIN
Summary
The 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup Division 2 officially launched in Hong Kong on Thursday, marking the city's first FIFA-sanctioned event in its history. At a pre-tournament press conference held at the Football Training Centre in Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong head coach Rubilo (盧比度) outlined his target of reaching the October 3 final—a match that could pit his side against former Hong Kong manager Anderson (安達臣), now leading Myanmar. The tournament, co-hosted with Indonesia, features six teams competing in group stage action at Kai Tak Main Stadium and Mong Kok Stadium.
Key Points
- The tournament officially opened on September 24, 2026, with Hong Kong's first group match against Laos scheduled for September 27 at 3pm at Kai Tak Main Stadium, live on ViuTV channel 99
- Hong Kong head coach Rubilo aims to reach the October 3 final and potentially face his former mentor Anderson, who coached Hong Kong from 2021 to 2024 and now leads Myanmar
- Hong Kong's 23-man squad includes overseas-based players such as Beijing Guoan defender Ro Zin (茹子楠), Henan Caotaofang defender Zhou Yuande (周緣德), and Shanghai Port striker Sun Yongxing (安永佳), though Shanghai Shenhua defender Chan Chun-ip (陳晉一) misses out due to a foot injury
- Anderson praised Rubilo as "one of the best coaches in Hong Kong" and revealed he previously attempted to recruit him as his assistant coach during his tenure at Chinese Super League side Yunnan Yukun
- Four Asian Games players—Yan Zhuobin, Wu Jiaming, Zhao Congwu, and Wu Yuxi—are expected to rejoin the squad from Nagoya on Friday after Hong Kong's U23 side exited the tournament at the group stage
- A Hong Kong player is under observation for a minor toe bone fracture and may be unavailable for selection, though all other squad members are fit for the opening match
Why It Matters
This tournament represents a pivotal moment for Hong Kong football's international standing. Hosting its first FIFA-sanctioned event demonstrates the Hong Kong Football Association's capability to manage world-class competitions, which could open doors to hosting more prestigious tournaments in the future. For fans, the tournament offers a rare opportunity to witness high-level regional competition at home, potentially rekindling public interest in the sport following recent disappointments .
This tournament represents a pivotal moment for Hong Kong football's international standing. Hosting its first FIFA-sanctioned event demonstrates the Hong Kong Football Association's capability to manage world-class competitions, which could open doors to hosting more prestigious tournaments in the future. For fans, the tournament offers a rare opportunity to witness high-level regional competition at home, potentially rekindling public interest in the sport following recent disappointments .