# I.League Cup 2026 tournament commencement

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ileague-cup-2026-tournament-commencement
> Updated: 2026-11-02T10:19:02.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 3.

The inaugural I.League Cup 2026 has begun its group stage campaigns across various zones. In the West Zone 1, Group C, Dewa United Banten FC is preparing for a Banten Derby against Persita Tangerang at the Banten International Stadium. Dewa United head coach Osmar Loss stated the team is aiming for the championship, while midfielder Ivar Jenner noted the importance of physical recovery amid a dense schedule.

In the East Zone 2, De Red FC is scheduled to host PSM Makassar in Surabaya. Coach Aji Santoso indicated he may use player rotation to manage fitness, potentially giving more playing time to reserve players ahead of a match against BSBS Biak. Additionally, Persela Lamongan is set to host Persijap Jepara at Surajaya Stadium. Persela coach Bima Sakti expressed readiness to pursue three points despite a tight recovery window following a recent match against Persipura Jayapura. Persijap Jepara coach Juan Cortes noted the tournament is essential preparation for the upcoming Liga Super.

In Group L, Arema FC secured a 4–0 victory against RANS Nusantara FC at Kanjuruhan Stadium, featuring a hat trick by Samuel Otusanya and a goal from Hanif Sjahbandi. Tournament regulations limit teams to a maximum of three foreign players on the pitch, a rule interim coach Andre Caldas noted provides a vital opportunity for local players. Other participating teams, such as Java United FC and Garudayaksa FC, are also preparing for their respective group stages.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-02: I.League Cup 2026: De Red FC and Persela Lamongan prepare for opening matches

De Red FC and Persela Lamongan prepare for their opening I.League Cup 2026 matches against PSM Makassar and Persijap Jepara.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ileague-cup-2026-de-red-fc-and-persela-lamongan-prepare-for-opening-matches

### 2026-11-02: Dewa United targets League Cup title in opener against Persita

Dewa United Banten FC faces Persita Tangerang in the I. League Cup 2026/27 opener, aiming for a group win to advance in the tournament.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dewa-united-targets-league-cup-title-in-opener-against-persita

### 2026-11-02: Indonesia League Cup 2026/27 kicks off with Arema FC victory

Arema FC opened the 2026/27 I. League Cup with a 4–0 win over RANS Nusantara FC. The tournament's three-foreigner limit aims to boost local player opportunities.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arema-fc-prepares-to-host-rans-nusantara-following-loss-to-bali-united

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Cite as: I.League Cup 2026 tournament commencement. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ileague-cup-2026-tournament-commencement