Why doesn't Vietnam have broadcasting rights for FIFA ASEAN Cup and Asiad?

As Vietnam braces for a crucial run of matches at the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 and the subsequent Asian Games (Asiad), fans face a paradox: the pitch is ready, but the broadcast is not. Will supporters be able to watch Coach Kim Sang Sik's team live? The answer remains uncertain, and the story behind it goes far beyond a simple rights purchase. According to VietNamNet, the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 (the new name for the AFF Cup) is now under direct FIFA management, replacing the previous ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) framework. This institutional change has made rights negotiations far more complex. Previously, regional broadcasters dealt directly with AFF; now all rights are centralized under FIFA, leading to higher fees and stricter terms. In Vietnam, a major television station is reportedly close to securing the rights for the tournament. However, no entity in Southeast Asia has officially acquired the broadcast rights yet. This region-wide vacuum suggests FIFA's asking price may exceed local broadcasters' capacity, or the package structure is ill-suited to the market. Meanwhile, Asiad 20 (hosted in Japan in September-October 2026) faces a similar standstill. With 43 sports and 469 events, the Asiad rights package is notoriously expensive. Negotiations in Vietnam are described as "very difficult." The Japanese government and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) have yet to reach an agreement with Vietnamese media partners, risking a live broadcast blackout for key events, including football. Vietnam's men's team, under Kim Sang Sik, faces a congested schedule in the FIFA ASEAN Cup: facing the Philippines on September 26 at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung; Thailand three days later; and Pakistan on October 2 in Jakarta. Pakistan's inclusion in an ASEAN tournament is unusual, suggesting an expanded or altered format. Despite this, the team's training camp plan is finalized, indicating solid professional preparation. Yet the biggest challenge is off the pitch. Vietnamese fans, buoyed by a recent ASEAN title, are eager to see Kim's squad defend their crown. Public pressure is mounting on negotiators. Without a deal soon, fans may face the prospect of watching text updates instead of live television. From a risk perspective, the worst-case scenario is a dual blackout: no broadcaster buying rights for either the FIFA ASEAN Cup or Asiad in Vietnam. This would harm broadcasters' brands and undermine fan engagement with the national team. Fallback options like delayed broadcasts or highlights may be used, but fans crave the live experience. A positive signal is the possibility of sub-licensing, where the rights buyer shares coverage with domestic channels, reducing costs and expanding reach. However, this depends on final negotiations with FIFA and OCA. The delay is creating anxiety, especially with both major events just months away. Professionally, this rights saga is not a Vietnam-only story. All of Southeast Asia faces a new pricing wall set by FIFA. Without a joint purchasing mechanism or regional framework, top teams like Vietnam and Thailand could have football but no live audience. This is a tough puzzle for the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and broadcasters. In conclusion, the FIFA ASEAN Cup and Asiad 2026 rights issue reflects a broader trend: the centralization of power from regional to global sports bodies, and the pricing of rights based on market potential rather than actual affordability. Vietnam, with its growing economy and passionate fan base, is caught between these forces. Can the parties find common ground? Only time will tell. But every day without a signed contract tests fans' patience a little further.