Hong Kong will have an immediate opportunity to climb into the top tier of the Fifa Asean Cup this year, according to a report from Southeast Asia.

News emerged last week that Hong Kong would compete as hosts in Division 2 of the inaugural tournament, although no confirmation was forthcoming from the Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA), Fifa nor the Asean Football Federation.

It has been said in a Vietnamese publication that the city team, currently No 155 in the Fifa global standings, will contest a group with Cambodia, ranked No 177, and 193rd-ranked Brunei.

The winners would then meet whichever team tops a second group, comprising Myanmar, Laos and East Timor, for the right to play in Division 1 of the next edition.

An HKFA spokesman said the organisation was not yet in a position to confirm any details about the mooted tournament.

Currently under the interim charge of Roberto Losada as they hunt a new head coach, Hong Kong are set to play two friendly matches next month. Mongolia are thought to be the likely opponents for a home game at Kai Tak Stadium, with the city team also in line for their first visit to Cambodia since a 1-1 draw in September 2023.