Harimau Malaya to face China and Yemen in Guangzhou friendlies on 14 and 17 November, FAM confirms
FAM says Malaysia will play China on 14 November and Yemen on 17 November in Guangzhou, replacing a planned second match against China.
Malaysia's national team will play China and Yemen in two Tier 1 international friendlies in Guangzhou next month, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) confirmed on Tuesday, 13 October. Harimau Malaya meet China on 14 November and Yemen on 17 November, after the Chinese Football Association confirmed a revised schedule that replaces what had originally been planned as two matches against China.
What has changed
FAM president Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan had announced earlier this month that Malaysia would play China twice in Guangzhou on 14 and 17 November. Under the new arrangement confirmed by the CFA on 13 October, the first date stays the same against China, while the second fixture will now be against Yemen. Both matches remain in Guangzhou.
Neither Bernama nor TVS reported a reason for the change, and FAM has not named the stadium.
Ranking points the main goal
Because both games are Tier 1 friendlies, they count towards the FIFA world rankings. Ab Ghani said the matches matter for collecting ranking points that could help Malaysia earn a better pot position for the 2030 FIFA World Cup and 2032 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
FAM's statement described the matches as part of the national team's preparations to gain competitive exposure at international level and strengthen the squad for upcoming challenges.
The opponents offer two different tests. According to the rankings cited by Bernama, China are 96th, Malaysia 133rd and Yemen 144th. That means one match against a higher-ranked side and one against a team below Harimau Malaya.
A chance to look at new players
The window gives the coaching staff another look at a squad that has been rebuilding. Interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe said earlier this month that the matches would help the team select players for the future, and noted China's status as an Asian Cup qualifier.
Malaysia arrive in good spirits after winning bronze at the FIFA ASEAN Cup, and recently climbed to 133rd in the FIFA rankings. Malaysia and China last met in September 2023, a 1-1 draw in Chengdu, according to Bernama.
Key dates for Malaysian fans
- Saturday, 14 November 2026: Malaysia vs China, Guangzhou
- Tuesday, 17 November 2026: Malaysia vs Yemen, Guangzhou
Kick-off times and broadcast details had not been announced at the time of writing. Guangzhou is in the same time zone as Malaysia (UTC+8), so local kick-off times will also apply in Malaysia.
Key takeaways
- FAM confirmed on 13 October that Harimau Malaya will play China on 14 November and Yemen on 17 November.
- Both Tier 1 friendlies will be held in Guangzhou, China.
- Yemen replace China as the second opponent; no reason for the switch was given.
- The games count for FIFA ranking points, important for 2030 World Cup and 2032 Asian Cup qualifying seeding.
- China are ranked 96th, Malaysia 133rd and Yemen 144th.
FAQ
When does Malaysia play China in November 2026? Harimau Malaya face China on Saturday, 14 November 2026, in Guangzhou.
Why is Malaysia playing Yemen instead of China twice? The Chinese Football Association confirmed the revised schedule to FAM on 13 October. No reason for replacing the second China match has been reported.
Do these friendlies count for the FIFA rankings? Yes. Both are Tier 1 international friendlies, and FAM says the ranking points could improve Malaysia's seeding for the 2030 World Cup and 2032 Asian Cup qualifiers.
Sources: Bernama, TVS, Newswav