The ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup returns for its 2026/27 season this week, and the road to the group stage begins with the Qualifying Round play-offs on Friday, 4 September 2026. First up, Philippines Football League champions Manila Digger FC take on Brunei’s Kasuka FC, with head coach Joan Esteva setting his sights firmly on a group-stage berth.
Play-offs open the road to the group stage
The regional club competition, which counts Singapore’s Lion City Sailors among its recent participants, kicks off the new campaign with two-legged qualifying ties. Manila Digger host Kasuka in the first leg at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila on Friday, before the return leg in Bandar Seri Begawan the following week.
Qualifying Round play-off fixtures
Friday, 4 September — Manila Digger FC (PHI) v Kasuka FC (BRU), Rizal Memorial Stadium, Manila, 7pm local (11am GMT).
Friday, 11 September — Ezra FC (LAO) v Shan United FC (MYA), Thuwunna Stadium, Yangon.
Saturday, 12 September — Kasuka FC (BRU) v Manila Digger FC (PHI), Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, Bandar Seri Begawan.
Monday, 14 September — Shan United FC (MYA) v Ezra FC (LAO), Thuwunna Stadium, Yangon.
Why Singapore fans should take note
The Shopee Cup has quickly become the region’s premier club competition, giving ASEAN champions a stage to test themselves against neighbouring sides. With Singapore clubs part of the wider tournament picture, the qualifying play-offs are an early marker of the standard across Southeast Asian football this season.
Fans can follow fixtures, results and updates at aseanutdfc.com and via @aseanutdfc on social media. For more local football coverage, see our reports on Lion City Sailors parting ways with head coach Jesus Casas and Team Singapore’s 2026 Asian Games flag presentation.
