Bandung, Jakarta Ready to Host 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Bandung and Jakarta are ready to serve as host cities for the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, which will take place in Indonesia for the first time this coming September and October.

"We are ready to serve as hosts in synergy with our colleagues from Jakarta," said West Java Provincial Secretary Herman Suryatman to the media following an inter-agency coordination meeting regarding FIFA ASEAN events with Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir in Jakarta on Monday, August 10.

As reported by ANTARA, he explained that the match would be held at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium. He stated that the local government would prepare supporting events at the stadium, adhering to standards that meet FIFA's expectations.

In addition, training grounds have been prepared at several locations, such as ITB Stadium, Arcamanik Stadium, and Sidolig Stadium. Two backup venues—Unpad Stadium and the IPDN Jatinangor field—have also been readied.

Herman stated that the local government is ready to ensure the event's success, drawing on its previous experience hosting the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup. "Insha Allah, we are fully committed to the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup," he said.

In line with this, the Head of the Jakarta Youth and Sports Agency, Andri Yansyah, also confirmed readiness to host the event, with the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) serving as the primary venue. Jakarta, he said, has extensive and unquestionable experience in hosting international events.

Andri stated that the government would properly prepare several training grounds for FIFA ASEAN participants, such as Banteng Field, Soemantri Brodjonegoro Field, and Fields 1 and 2 at Jakarta International Stadium (JIS).

In addition to the conduct of the matches, he said, support in other areas is also being prepared, including promotion and mobilization. "We are also ready to provide transportation services using our own vehicles to take players and officials to tourist attractions," he said.

The 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup is scheduled to take place from September 23 to October 3. The event is divided into two divisions: the Premier Division in Indonesia and the Challenge Division in Hong Kong.

The Premier Division features the region's top-ranked teams—such as those from Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines—while the Challenge Division comprises Hong Kong, Myanmar, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, and Timor Leste. Each division is further divided into two groups.

The tournament format differs from the norm; teams that finish at the top of their group advance directly to the final, meaning there is no semifinal round. Consequently, every team must perform consistently from the very first match, as a poor result could diminish their chances of winning the group and qualifying for the final.

Based on the draw results for the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, the Indonesian national team has been drawn into Group A of the Premier Division alongside Malaysia, India, and Singapore. Meanwhile, Group B of the Premier Division comprises Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, and the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Group A of the Challenge Division includes Hong Kong, Myanmar, and Brunei Darussalam, while Group B comprises Cambodia, Laos, and Timor Leste.

Read: Indonesia Prepares to Host 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup

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