Indonesia's National Football Team to Travel Commercially for AFF Cup Match

Indonesia's national football team will travel to Thailand for their AFF Cup match against Timor Leste using a commercial flight with Garuda Indonesia, not a charter plane as previously rumored. PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir stated that the team's physical condition and recovery are paramount throughout the tournament.

"What's most important isn't the type of plane used, but how the players' condition is maintained because Indonesia still has important matches against Vietnam," Thohir said. The Garuda squad will face Timor Leste on Friday, July 31, 2026, at the Chonburi Municipality Stadium in Thailand.

Thohir also welcomed the full implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the AFF Cup 2026, noting that Indonesia has experience with VAR in its domestic competitions. He also addressed the tournament's scheduling outside the FIFA Matchday calendar, which affects the availability of players based abroad.

Additionally, Thohir praised the accelerated renovation of the Pakansari Stadium, expressing hope that other regional governments will show similar commitment to developing football in Indonesia. He stressed that national football development requires collaboration among central and regional governments, clubs, PSSI, and all stakeholders.

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What's most important isn't the type of plane used, but how the players' condition is maintained because Indonesia still has important matches against Vietnam.