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CAFA initially invited Russia, but was declined. As a result, Malaysia were invited instead, alongside regular participant Oman. The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) confirmed their participation on Monday.

This invitation explained why Malaysia turned down the friendly game against regional rival Indonesia in early June. The friendly has generated considerable media attention, particularly because both teams have the most naturalized players in Southeast Asia, The Star reported.

At CAFA Nations Cup this year, Malaysia will face two teams that will participate in the 2026 World Cup: Iran (ranked 18th in FIFA) and Uzbekistan (57th). The remaining teams in the tournament include Kyrgyzstan (103rd), Tajikistan (104th), Turkmenistan (142nd) and Afghanistan (160th). The seeding for the tournament will be based on the FIFA rankings. Oman are currently 77th, while Malaysia sit at 131st but are placed in pot four as the guest.

The eight participating teams will be divided into two groups, playing a round-robin format. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals. The two finalists will play a maximum of five matches over 15 days, averaging one match every three days.

The FIFA Days are scheduled from Sept. 1 to 9, but Malaysia will adjust their domestic tournaments accordingly to prepare for the competition. Naturalized players based in South America and Europe will join the squad based on the FIFA Days schedule or earlier, depending on negotiations between FAM and their clubs.

Malaysia received a boost of confidence after their 4-0 victory over Vietnam in the second round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers on June 10. The win improved their chances of securing a spot in the Asian Cup and showcased the result of their naturalization policy.

Malaysia have naturalized seven players this year, all of whom featured in the win over Vietnam, including midfielder Hector Hevel (Dutch and Spanish origin), defenders Gabriel Palmero and Jon Irazabal (Spain), strikers Imanol Machuca and Rodrigo Holgado, center-back Facundo Garces (Argentina), and striker Joao Figueiredo (Brazil). FAM’s naturalization policy will continue under the leadership of Tunku Ismail, Crown Prince of Johor and president of Johor Darul Ta’zim, the nation’s top football club.

Vietnam are not expected to gather during the September FIFA Days, as coach Kim Sang-sik focuses on the U22 team’s preparations for the 2026 U23 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Malaysia and Vietnam will meet again in the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup on March 31, 2026. Before that, both sides will face Nepal and Laos in the matches scheduled for October and November.