Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – October 20, 2024

The Australian Football League (AFL) is thrilled to announce the inaugural Asia Cup, a groundbreaking tournament exclusively for Asian citizens. This historic three-day event will take place on December 6th, 7th, and 8th, 2024, at the Thang Long Sports Complex in Ho Chi Minh City. The tournament will be played with 9 players on field per team enabling the use of smaller soccer fields – plentiful across Asia – and smaller squad sizes whilst ensuring nonstop excitement throughout. 16 teams have confirmed their participation representing all corners of the world’s most populous continent.  

The Asia Cup marks a significant milestone for the sport in Asia, providing a platform for talented Asian players to showcase their skills on the international stage. With 16 teams participating, the tournament promises to be an exciting and competitive spectacle. 

The last time AFL sanctioned action was played in Asia was in Shanghai in 2019 where an Asian Lions team played China as a curtain raiser clash to the Port Adelaide vs St Kilda game.

Confirmed Teams: 

  • Men’s Teams: Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Japan, Laos, Pakistan, Thailand, Vietnam 
  • Women’s Teams: Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, Thailand, Vietnam 

India and Japan will both be competing in the Men’s division in Ho Chi Minh City in early December.

About the AFL 

The Australian Football League (AFL) is the governing body for Australian Rules Football, a unique and exciting sport that is the most popular sporting code in Australia. The AFL is committed to growing the game internationally and supporting the development of talent in emerging markets like Asia. In fact, several players of Asian heritage have now played at the highest men’s and women’s levels of the sport in Australia. Look out for many superstars of the future to emerge from across Asia as the dynamic sport continues to take hold. 

Japan and Pakistan have both attended the International Cup in Australia pre-covid and will now be vying for the title of Asia’s number 1 Australian Football nation.

Get Involved with the Asia Cup 

We invite sponsors and volunteers to join us in making this event a success. Your support will help ensure a memorable experience for players and spectators alike. Opportunities include: 

  • Sponsorship: Partner with the Asia Cup to gain brand exposure and support the development of Australian Rules Football in Asia. 
  • Volunteer: Contribute to the success of the tournament by volunteering as an umpire, support staff member, or in other essential roles. 

Volunteering opportunities are available to be a part of this historic event.

Spectators are welcome to attend the Asia Cup free of charge. Come cheer on your favorite team and experience the excitement of this historic event. 

For more information or to get involved, please contact the AFL Asia Facebook page.