Malaysia competed in the 2013 Southeast Asian Games held in Naypyidaw, the capital of Myanmar, as well as in two other main cities, Yangon and Mandalay.

Malaysia was selected the host nation for the 2017 edition.

Note: Vietnam, Laos, Brunei and Timor-Leste did not participate in the men's competition.

On 6 November, Philippines which was originally drawn in Group A, withdrew from the SEA Games men's football competition.

On 22 November, Timor-Leste which was originally drawn in Group B, withdrew from the SEA Games women's football competition.