Appearing at the World Cup, whether at the senior or youth level—is a significant achievement for any country. At any level, the qualification process is far from easy and requires a long and challenging journey.

Although Southeast Asia is not a regular contender in the senior World Cup, several countries in the region have experienced the atmosphere of the world’s most prestigious football tournament—particularly in youth competitions.

Here are five Southeast Asian countries that have made appearances at the World Cup:

Myanmar

Myanmar surprised many when they qualified for the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup. They secured their ticket to the prestigious tournament after reaching the semifinals of the 2014 AFC U-19 Championship, which was held in their home country.

Under the guidance of German coach Gerd Zeise, Myanmar made history by becoming ASEAN’s representative at the tournament.

Drawn into Group A alongside host nation New Zealand, the United States, and Ukraine, Myanmar suffered three defeats.

However, they briefly took the lead against the United States before eventually losing 1–2. Across the three matches, Myanmar scored two goals and conceded 13, finishing the group stage without any points. Despite the early exit, their qualification was still a monumental milestone for Myanmar’s football history.

Vietnam

Vietnam followed in Myanmar’s footsteps by qualifying for the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup after reaching the semifinals of the 2016 AFC U-19 Championship. Unfortunately, their campaign ended at the bottom of the group standings.

Still, Vietnam managed to earn one point—slightly better than some other ASEAN nations at the same level.

Now, Vietnam is eyeing another World Cup appearance at the upcoming 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, after securing two draws against Australia and Japan. However, to seal a ticket to Qatar, Vietnam must win a crucial final group-stage match against the United Arab Emirates in the 2025 AFC U-17 Asian Cup.

Malaysia

Malaysia made their debut on the world stage at the 1997 FIFA U-20 World Cup, when they hosted the tournament. It was the first time Malaysia competed in a global football event, although the results were less than ideal.

Drawn into a tough group alongside Uruguay, Morocco, and Belgium, the Harimau Muda (Young Tigers) finished at the bottom of the standings without earning a single point. They managed to score just one goal and conceded nine throughout the group stage.

Despite the disappointing outcome, the tournament was notable for featuring future global stars such as Thierry Henry, Michael Owen, and Juan Román Riquelme—who all played in Malaysia during that edition.

Thailand

Thailand, one of Southeast Asia’s traditional football powerhouses, also has a history of appearances at youth-level World Cups. They participated in the FIFA U-17 World Cup twice—in 1997 and 1999.

Their first appearance in 1997 came as a result of finishing as runners-up in the 1996 AFC U-16 Championship. In that tournament, they faced strong opponents including Germany, Chile, and host nation Egypt. Thailand scored four goals but conceded 12, exiting at the group stage.

In the 1999 edition, Thailand qualified again—this time as champions of the 1998 AFC U-16 Championship. However, the outcome remained similar. Facing teams like Ghana, Mexico, and Spain, Thailand were eliminated after conceding 17 goals and scoring only once.

Though the results were far from satisfying, Thailand’s two appearances on the world stage remain commendable milestones in the country’s football journey.

ndonesia

Unlike other ASEAN countries, Indonesia is the only Southeast Asian nation to have participated in three editions of the youth-level World Cup, and it also holds the distinction of being the first ASEAN country to appear in the senior FIFA World Cup—although at the time, it competed as the Dutch East Indies and took part as an invitee in the 1938 tournament.

In 1979, Indonesia made history once again by qualifying for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Interestingly, this opportunity came after several countries—including Iraq, South Korea, and North Korea—withdrew from the tournament, leading to Indonesia, under the coaching of Soetjipto Soentoro, being selected as a replacement.

Unfortunately, the results were harsh. Facing Yugoslavia, Poland, and Argentina (which featured a young Diego Maradona), Garuda Muda suffered three defeats, conceded 16 goals, and failed to score a single goal.

Most recently, Indonesia hosted the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup—becoming the first Southeast Asian nation to stage the tournament. This also gave Indonesia the chance to participate in the competition as hosts.

Indonesia didn’t stop there. The country made history once again by securing a ticket to the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup after defeating Yemen 4–1 and topping Group C in the 2025 AFC U-17 Asian Cup.

With this achievement, Indonesia now holds the record as the ASEAN country with the most participations in youth-level FIFA World Cup tournaments.