What changed
2026-07-30 15:23 UTC → 2026-07-30 18:58 UTC ·
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In mid‑July Mid‑July 2026 the Indonesian football federation released the 2026‑27 I‑League calendar, aligning domestic fixtures with PSSI, FIFA, AFC and AFF timetables. A week later FIFA confirmed that Indonesia will co‑host the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 (Premier Division) together with Premier Division alongside Hong Kong (Challenge Division). The draw placed Kong’s Challenge Division. Indonesia in was drawn into Group A with Malaysia, India and Singapore; Group B contains Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines and Pakistan, the latter replacing China. All Premier Division group‑stage matches will be staged in are slated for Jakarta from 23 September to 3 October 2026, with while the Challenge Division will be in Hong Kong. The competition format skips semifinals; group winners contest advance directly to the final and runners‑up play for third place. contest a third‑place match. FIFA officially launched the tournament on 28 July, confirming the Jakarta venue for the Premier Division and announcing simultaneous free‑to‑air TV and YouTube broadcasts across the region. Ahead of Indonesia’s Group A match against Timor Leste on 31 July, coach John Herdman warned against under‑estimating the opponent. Three Indonesian players – The fixture is scheduled for Chonburi Stadium in Thailand, and Timor Leste coach Zé Pedro highlighted Indonesia’s collective strength. The call‑ups, including Marselino Ferdinan, Ragnar Oratmangoen and Justin Hubner – travelled separately, leaving Hubner, left a 23‑player squad for and affected club line‑ups domestically; media outlets in Malaysia, Vietnam and elsewhere noted the fixture. stakes. President Prabowo Subianto and the PSSI endorsed the event, citing government support and the aim of improving Indonesia’s FIFA ranking. FIFA announced prize money of US$1 million for the champion, US$300 000 for the runner‑up and a US$125 000 participation grant per team, and required clubs to release players called up for national duty.