Indonesian football clubs eye regeneration and new funding as World Cup predictions stir fans

Persija Jakarta has appointed South Korean coach Shin Tae‑yong for the 2026/27 season, aiming to blend the club’s recent U‑20 Elite Pro Academy champions with experienced national‑team players. Young talents such as striker Witan Sulaeman, midfielder Rayhan Hannan and defender Fabio Azka Irawan have been highlighted, with Hannan receiving a three‑year contract extension as the club targets the Liga 1 title.

Separately, Persib Bandung is set to receive compensation from FIFA’s Club Benefits Programme after player Frans Putros featured for Iraq at the 2026 World Cup. Based on FIFA’s minimum rate, the club could collect roughly US$140,000 (about Rp 2.5 billion), funds that may be used to sign free‑agent striker Ragnar Oratmangoen, while the club has also secured Sandy Walsh.

In a lighter note, Indonesian comedian Awwe shared his World Cup 2026 forecasts, favouring Argentina and France as likely champions and praising the continued appeal of Lionel Messi and a possible resurgence for Neymar.