The SEA Games 33 organizing committee recently announced the seeding pots for the men's football competition. Pot 1 includes U23 Vietnam, who finished third in the previous SEA Games, defending champions U23 Indonesia, and host team U23 Thailand.

Pot 2 features U23 Myanmar, U23 Malaysia, and U23 Cambodia. Pot 3 comprises U23 Timor Leste, U23 Philippines, and U23 Laos. U23 Singapore is the sole team in Pot 4.

Currently, the draw date for the men’s football tournament has not yet been confirmed. However, unlike previous editions, SEA Games 33 will feature 11 teams divided into three groups: Group A will consist of three teams, while Groups B and C will each have four.

The tournament will follow a single round-robin format, with the three group winners and the best second-place team advancing to the semifinals.

Matches in Group A will be played in Bangkok, while Groups B and C will compete in either Songkhla or Chiang Mai. All knockout stage matches, including the semifinals, third-place playoff, and final, will be held in Bangkok.

For the women’s football tournament, eight teams will compete, divided into two groups. They will also play in a single round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the semifinals. The women’s matches are scheduled to take place from December 4 to 17 in Chonburi.

According to the seeding announcement, defending champions Vietnam and host Thailand are in Pot 1 for the women’s tournament. Pot 2 features Myanmar and Cambodia; Pot 3 includes the Philippines and Singapore; and Pot 4 contains Malaysia and Indonesia.

Dai Nam