Prabowo Backs Indonesia's Bid to Host Inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup

President Prabowo Subianto is pushing for Indonesia to host the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, a new football tournament for Southeast Asian nations set to debut later this year. The President has expressed strong support for the bid, signaling a significant step for regional football.

Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir confirmed that FIFA has responded positively to Indonesia's hosting aspirations. Thohir reported this to President Prabowo during a meeting on June 19, 2026. "I reported earlier that there has been a positive response from FIFA regarding Indonesia being named one of the hosts for the FIFA ASEAN Cup," Erick stated.

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I reported earlier that there has been a positive response from FIFA regarding Indonesia being named one of the hosts for the FIFA ASEAN Cup.

President Prabowo has pledged to prepare an official letter to FIFA to solidify Indonesia's position as a host country. He also instructed Thohir to coordinate with relevant ministries, including Finance for budget allocation and Health for medical protocols, to ensure all necessary preparations are made. "The President supports this and will prepare an official letter to ensure we are selected by FIFA as a host country," Thohir added.

The FIFA ASEAN Cup, scheduled from September to October 2026, will be played entirely within the official FIFA international match window. This contrasts with the biennial AFF Cup, which falls outside FIFA's calendar. Hosting this new tournament offers substantial benefits: match results will directly affect FIFA world rankings, and clubs will be obligated to release players for national duty, potentially allowing teams to field their strongest squads.

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The President supports this and will prepare an official letter to ensure we are selected by FIFA as a host country.