Her Highness Princess Norodom Jenna and Sambath Sok to Headline ASEAN Hyundai Cup™ 2026 Opening Ceremony

Cambodia will host the Opening Ceremony of the ASEAN Hyundai Cup™ 2026 at Phnom Penh’s Morodok Techo National Stadium on July 24, as the region’s premier football tournament celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Headlining the entertainment lineup are Her Highness Princess Norodom Jenna and Sambath Sok—two of the most beloved artists in Cambodia and across Southeast Asia—who will lead a star-studded cast of performers to officially launch the 16th edition of the ASEAN Championship.

The duo will debut the tournament’s official theme song, "12 Nations, 1 Heartbeat," performed in 12 languages. The piece is designed to embody the unity and shared aspirations of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF), its Member Associations, fans, and the wider ASEAN football community.

The ceremony will weave together cultural and contemporary elements, including a performance by 12 Apsara dancers from Cambodia’s Royal Ballet, just before hosts Cambodia take on Singapore in the opening Group A match of the tournament.

Singapore, the four-time champions, hosted the inaugural ASEAN Championship in 1996, when the AFF first launched the competition to accelerate football development across Southeast Asia. Three decades later, the tournament has become the crown jewel of ASEAN football.

Tickets for the Opening Ceremony—scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM local time—and the Cambodia–Singapore match (kick-off at 7:00 PM local time / 12:00 PM GMT) are available via Tickethotline at tickethotline.com.my/ASEAN-Hyundai-Cup-2026 and through https://ffcambodia_bot.t.me/home.

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

Major General Khiev Sameth, President of the ASEAN Football Federation, said:  
"The ASEAN Hyundai Cup™ has, for three decades, brought our nations together through a shared love of football, creating unforgettable moments that have inspired generations across Southeast Asia and beyond. As we mark this historic 30th anniversary, fans can look forward not only to world-class football but also to a month-long celebration of the unity, pride, and spirit that define our ASEAN football family.

"It is a tremendous honour for Cambodia to host the Opening Ceremony of this landmark edition. I am confident that everyone in the stadium—alongside millions of viewers worldwide—will witness an occasion that reflects both the rich cultural heritage of our region and the bright future of ASEAN football.

"Every element of the ceremony has been thoughtfully crafted to tell the story of our shared journey over the past three decades, while celebrating the aspirations of the next generation. We are especially privileged to have Her Highness Princess Norodom Jenna and Sambath Sok leading an exceptional cast of performers in what promises to be a memorable and inspiring celebration.

"It is also fitting that this anniversary tournament begins with Cambodia facing Singapore. Singapore hosted the inaugural ASEAN Championship in 1996, and that historic first edition laid the foundations for what has become the premier football competition in our region. As the first match kicks off, it will symbolise not only the start of a new tournament but also the continuation of a remarkable journey that has united our nations through the beautiful game for the past thirty years."

The Opening Ceremony and all ASEAN Hyundai Cup™ 2026 matches will be broadcast live across every ASEAN country on local television networks and digital platforms, including the official ASEAN United FC TikTok channel, @aseanutdfc.

The 10-nation group stage will run from July 24 to August 8, with matches played in a single round-robin format, home or away. The knockout rounds—played over two legs—will begin on August 15 and conclude with the final on August 26. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, with first legs scheduled for August 15 and 16, and return legs on August 18 and 19. The two-legged final will take place on August 22 and 26.