Thailand, ‌who have claimed the title on a record seven occasions and lost to Vietnam in the 2024 final, will headline ⁠Group B, where they will take on 2010 ‌winners Malaysia, the Philippines, Myanmar and Laos.

"There ​will be no easy games, all the teams are very competitive, but we're really pleased with the draw," said Thailand coach Anthony Hudson.

"We're in a group ‌where all the games will be complicated and tough, but if we had to pick a group, this is what ⁠we would pick."

Timor-Leste and Brunei will face off in a home-and-away playoff in June to determine the final qualifier for the group phase, which will kick off on July 24th.

Teams will play one another on a home-or-away basis until August 8th, with the first two finishers in each group progressing ⁠to the semi-finals.

The first legs of ‌the semi-finals will be played on August 15th and 16th, with the return legs on August 18th and 19th. The final will be played over ⁠two legs on August 23rd ​and 26th.