Overview
- Group A features defending champions Vietnam with Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia and the winner of a Brunei–Timor-Leste playoff.
- Group B includes record seven-time winners Thailand alongside Malaysia, the Philippines, Myanmar and Laos.
- The group phase begins on July 24 with home-or-away fixtures through August 8, followed by semi-finals on August 15–16 and 18–19 and a two-legged final on August 23 and 26.
- Brunei and Timor-Leste will contest a home-and-away playoff on June 2 and 9 to determine the final Group A entrant.
- Context for contenders: Vietnam enter as 2024 champions, Thailand hold seven titles, Singapore have four, and Indonesia are still seeking a first crown, while Malaysia’s CAS appeal over player eligibility remains unresolved.