Princess Norodom Jenna and singer Sambath Sok performed at the opening ceremony of the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026.

The ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 opening ceremony is set to take place at Phnom Penh's Morodok Techo National Stadium on July 24, with Cambodia as the host nation, marking three decades since the region's top football competition was first held.

Princess Norodom Jenna and singer Sambath Sok, two of the most prominent artists in Cambodia and across Southeast Asia, will lead a lineup of performers in a special entertainment show to officially kick off the 16th edition of the ASEAN Championship.

Princess Jenna and Sambath Sok will perform the official theme song of the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026, titled "12 Nations, 1 Heartbeat," in 12 languages, symbolizing the unity and shared aspirations of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF), its member associations, fans, and the ASEAN football community.

The opening ceremony will also feature a blend of cultural and modern performances, including a showcase by 12 Apsara dancers from the Royal Ballet of Cambodia, just before the opening Group A match between hosts Cambodia and Singapore.

Singapore, a four-time champion, also hosted the inaugural edition in 1996, when the AFF founded the ASEAN Championship to promote regional football development. After three decades, the tournament has become the most prestigious event in Southeast Asian football.

Tickets for the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 opening ceremony, which starts at 18:30 local time, and the Cambodia vs. Singapore match (kicking off at 19:00 local time, equivalent to 12:00 GMT), are now available via Tickethotline and the ticket sales channels of the Football Federation of Cambodia.

Fans can also purchase tickets in person at the Olympic Stadium from July 18, and at Morodok Techo National Stadium on July 24, the day of the opening ceremony and the first match.

President of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF), Major General Khiev Sameth, stated: "Over the past three decades, the ASEAN Hyundai Cup has united regional countries through a shared passion for football, creating unforgettable moments that have inspired generations of fans in Southeast Asia and around the world.

On the occasion of this 30-year milestone, fans will not only enjoy top-tier ASEAN football matches but also immerse themselves in a month-long series of activities celebrating the spirit of unity, pride, and identity of the Southeast Asian football family.

It is a great honor for Cambodia to host the opening ceremony of this landmark edition. I believe that all spectators in the stadium, as well as millions watching worldwide, will witness an event that showcases both the region's rich cultural heritage and the bright future of ASEAN football.

Every detail of the opening ceremony has been carefully prepared to narrate our collective journey over the past 30 years while honoring the aspirations of the next generation. We are especially proud to have Princess Norodom Jenna and singer Sambath Sok leading an outstanding lineup of artists, promising a memorable and inspiring program.

The fact that the tournament begins its 30-year celebration with the Cambodia vs. Singapore match carries deep significance. Singapore hosted the first ASEAN Championship in 1996, and that historic edition laid the foundation for today's premier regional football competition. When the first match kicks off, it will not only mark the start of a new tournament but also continue a proud journey that has united Southeast Asian nations through the beautiful game over three decades."

The opening ceremony and all matches of the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 will be broadcast live across all Southeast Asian countries on local television channels and digital platforms, including the official TikTok account @aseanutdfc of ASEAN United FC.

The group stage of the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026, featuring 10 teams, will take place from July 24 to August 8, with a single round-robin format where each team plays either home or away.

The knockout stage, consisting of two-legged ties, will be held from August 15 to August 26. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals. The first leg of the semifinals is scheduled for August 15 and 16, with the return legs on August 18 and 19. The two-legged final will take place on August 22 and 26.