Hong Kong and Cambodia finished as the top two teams in the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Challenge Cup, but their impressive campaigns have not yet guaranteed them promotion to the competition’s top division. The tournament’s organizers have yet to confirm whether a promotion and relegation system will be introduced for future editions.

Hong Kong claimed the Division 2 title after defeating Cambodia 2-0 in the final at Kai Tak Stadium. Goals from Matt Orr and Everton Camargo secured the trophy for the hosts after an impressive run through the tournament. Cambodia had previously topped Group B, while Hong Kong finished first in Group A before the two sides met in the final.

The regional competition was introduced with two separate divisions. The top tier, known as the FIFA ASEAN Cup, featured eight stronger national teams and was staged in Indonesia, while the second division brought together six teams in Hong Kong. The structure has created expectations that successful teams in the lower division could eventually earn a place among the region’s leading sides.

However, neither Hong Kong nor Cambodia has received confirmation of promotion for the next edition. FIFA has indicated that discussions about the future format will come after the inaugural tournament, with the possibility of another edition being held four years later. This leaves the status of the two finalists uncertain despite their strong performances.

The tournament regulations also do not establish a fixed promotion or relegation mechanism. FIFA retains broad authority over the competition format, participating teams, number of places, and allocation of slots. As a result, Hong Kong and Cambodia may have to wait for a future decision before knowing whether their success in the second division will earn them an opportunity to compete at the highest level.