Seven nations to compete in Srikandi Merdeka Cup 2026 youth women's football tournament in Kudus

The Indonesian regency of Kudus in Central Java is set to become the stage for the Srikandi Merdeka Cup 2026, an international under-16 women's football tournament. The event, scheduled to take place from August 14-23, 2026, at the Supersoccer Arena, will feature seven national teams vying for supremacy.

Participating nations include the host country Indonesia, alongside Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. This diverse lineup offers a significant opportunity for young female athletes to gain international exposure, compete against different playing styles, and experience the atmosphere of global competition.

Teddy Tjahjono, Program Director of the Srikandi Merdeka Cup, expressed optimism about the tournament's role in advancing women's football development across various regions. He highlighted the event as a crucial platform for budding female footballers to assess their skills and gain valuable experience. "All participating U-16 women's national teams in this tournament can feel the atmosphere of international competition according to international-level organizing standards," Tjahjono stated during a press conference.

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All participating U-16 women's national teams in this tournament can feel the atmosphere of international competition according to international-level organizing standards.

The tournament is a collaborative effort between Bakti Olahraga Djarum Foundation and the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI). Beyond the competitive matches, it is designed to cultivate a supportive ecosystem for the growth of women's football. Tjahjono emphasized that the tournament's success hinges not only on match quality but also on high organizational standards, adequate facilities, and the welcoming culture of Kudus, all contributing to a positive experience for the participants.

Indonesian U-16 coaches welcomed the international participation. Timo Scheunemann, head coach of Indonesia Garuda Pertiwi, sees the cup as a potential catalyst for the resurgence of women's football in Indonesia. Takumi Taniguchi, coach of Indonesia Putri Nusantara, expressed high confidence, noting that Indonesia is fielding two teams to maximize playing opportunities for its young talents. He views the tournament as an effective player development tool and ideal preparation for the AFC U-17 qualifiers. Malaysian coach Fairuz Montana Bin Zainal Abidin declared their ambition to win, stating, "We are not here for a holiday, but we are here to be champions and beat the hosts." Thailand's coach, Thidarat Wiwasukhu, also sees the event as a chance to mature her team.

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We are not here for a holiday, but we are here to be champions and beat the hosts.