Around 300 players from 10 nations will converge on Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, for the 2024 AFL Asia Cup, running from December 6-8. This nine-a-side tournament at the Thanh Long Sports Centre celebrates the growing popularity of Australian Rules Football across Asia.
The men’s division will feature Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Pakistan, Thailand, and host nation Vietnam. The women’s division will include Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Thailand.
The men’s competition will have two pools of five teams, leading to semi-finals and a final, while the women’s competition will consist of one pool of five teams. Player selection is based on domestic performance, with all players required to hold citizenship in their represented countries.
Head of AFL Queensland and International, Trisha Squires, acknowledged the significance of the event.
“The 2024 Asia Cup will bring together teams and cultures from across Asia in what will be an exciting showcase of the game,” Squires said. “It also tells a powerful story about the growing impact of Australian Rules Football in the region.”
Vietnam, home to the Vietnam Swans since the 1990s, is a fitting host. The Swans’ local presence and the popular Vietkick program have cemented the sport’s place in the country.
Participation in Australian Rules Football across Asia has surged 30% in 2024, with female participation increasing by 24%. Over 15,000 people now engage with the sport across the region.
The Asia Cup concludes a big year for international footy, following the Transatlantic Cup (Toronto) and Pacific Cup (Maroochydore). Fixtures for the three-day event will be announced soon.
Fans can watch all matches live and free on the AFL Play and AFL Asia YouTube channels.