Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia organised a parade ahead of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, demonstrating its enthusiasm and readiness to host the inaugural football championship, the Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir said.
“After previously hosting the FIFA U-17 World Cup, Indonesia secured the privilege to host the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, which will run from September 25 to October 5,” Thohir, who also chairs the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), said.
Dubbed the Roll to Glory FIFA ASEAN Cup Family Parade, the prelude event took place from Gate 6 of the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium to the HI Roundabout, coinciding with Jakarta’s weekly car-free day on Sunday.
Thohir expressed confidence Indonesia would prove to be a good host, stressing the country’s commitment to providing a safe and comfortable environment for participating teams and their supporters.
Regarding the Sunday’s parade, he described it as a moment to build public enthusiasm and bolster Indonesia’s preparedness to stage the Southeast Asian football tournament. The event connected organisers, Indonesian football legends, sports communities, and residents.
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He also optimistic that Team Indonesia would achieve the best possible result in the championship, which is set to involve 11 ASEAN countries and three guest teams.
The Roll to Glory FIFA ASEAN Cup Family Parade featured several legends of the Indonesian national team, including Ismed Sofyan, Aliyudin, and Atep. FIFA, the world’s football governing body, was represented by three officials during the event.
In raising public awareness and enthusiasm, the event introduced the tournament’s trophy and featured a giant ball.
The FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 will mark the first Southeast Asian tournament organised by FIFA for national teams. Regional sides have long competed in the ASEAN Championship, formerly known as the AFF Cup and Tiger Cup, since 1996.
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The FIFA-sanctioned tournament will be split into Premier Division and Challenge Division, hosted by Indonesia and Hong Kong, respectively.
Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines are placed in Division 1 alongside Bangladesh and Pakistan. Division 2 will feature Hong Kong, Myanmar, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, and Timor-Leste.
The draw placed Indonesia in Group A of Division 1 with Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Singapore; while Thailand will face Vietnam, Pakistan, and the Philippines in Group B.
Meanwhile, co-host Hong Kong will meet Laos and Brunei Darussalam in Group A of Division 2, with Group B comprising Cambodia, Myanmar, and Timor-Leste.
Group winners will automatically advance to the finals of each division to compete for the trophy.
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Translator: D. Aditra, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Fransiska Ninditya
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