Antara News·Indonesia·Monday, September 14, 2026 at 03:02 PM

PSSI eyes FIFA ASEAN Cup to promote Indonesian culture

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Bayu Prasetyo

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Chairman of the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) Erick Thohir said the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, scheduled for September 25 to October 5, would provide an opportunity to showcase Indonesian culture to a global audience.

"The event is an opportunity for us to introduce our culture, music, and cuisine as well," Erick said in Jakarta on Monday.

According to Erick, the tournament could potentially reach more than one billion viewers based on the combined populations of participating countries in ASEAN and outside the region, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Hong Kong and China.

Erick, who also serves as Minister of Youth and Sports, said Indonesia's selection as one of the hosts of Southeast Asia's major football tournament was an honor. Moreover, FIFA had once again placed its trust in Indonesia after the Southeast Asian country previously hosted the FIFA U-17 World Cup and FIFA Series.

According to Erick, preparations have continued, including an extensive public awareness campaign, particularly in the two Indonesian cities hosting matches: Jakarta and Bandung.

The campaign is being conducted in coordination with the respective local governments.

He added that a trophy tour had also been held to raise public awareness of the tournament.

The committee will also establish fan zones around the stadium areas as part of efforts to enliven the FIFA ASEAN Cup. The fan zones approved by FIFA will showcase Indonesian culture, music, and cuisine to spectators.

"Hopefully, this will generate excitement so that spectators will not only enjoy the football, but also experience Indonesia's music, culture, and renowned cuisine," Erick said.

He said FIFA is currently encouraging the organization of more competitions that could benefit its member football associations.

FIFA, says Erick, wants football associations to have strong programs and sound finances, which would ultimately contribute to the development of stronger national teams.

"We must not allow the potential of football associations and national teams to be constrained by competition and the overall football economy, as many countries are now producing super teams and developing major leagues," Erick added.

The FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 is divided into two divisions: the Premier Division in Indonesia and the Challenge Division in Hong Kong.
The Premier Division features eight teams, including Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. The Challenge Division features six teams such as Hong Kong, Myanmar, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, and Timor-Leste. Each division is divided into two groups.

The group winners advance directly to the final, with no semifinal stage. This means every team must perform consistently from the opening match, as a poor result could reduce its chances of finishing top of its group and reaching the final.

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