Overseas-based players and JDT II prospects feature in Malaysia's ASEAN Cup squad

Malaysia's national football team, the Harimau Malaya, is set to embark on the 2026 Hyundai ASEAN Cup campaign with a squad that blends overseas talent and emerging local players. Interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe announced a 26-player roster, highlighted by the inclusion of three players based abroad: Wan Kuzain Wan Ahmad Kamal (Sporting JAX, USA), Richard Chin (Ross County FC, Scotland), and Hadi Fayyadh Abdul Razak (Vencedor Mie United, Japan).

This squad signals a clear focus on youth development, with nearly half of the selected players under 25 years old. A significant contingent of six players from Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) II will make their senior team debuts, offering them a platform to prove their capabilities. Experienced players like Paulo Josue, Mohamadou Sumareh, and Syafiq Ahmad also feature, providing a crucial balance of youth and experience.

The tournament's timing outside the FIFA International Match Calendar presents a challenge, as many Super League clubs are just beginning their pre-season training. The team is scheduled to convene for a training camp starting July 15, followed by their departure for Yangon on July 23. Malaysia will kick off their Group B matches against Myanmar on July 25, then face Laos, Thailand, and the Philippines in subsequent fixtures.

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He (Cheng Hoe) faces a big challenge in forming the squad this time because the 2026 Hyundai ASEAN Cup takes place outside the FIFA International Match Calendar, and most Super League clubs have just started pre-season training.