Prabowo backs Indonesia's bid to host inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto has guaranteed support for Indonesia’s bid to host the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, scheduled for September and October 2026, according to Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir.

Speaking after a meeting at Prabowo’s private residence in Bogor, West Java, on Friday, Thohir said the president intends to send FIFA a letter reaffirming Indonesia’s eagerness to host the regional championship, noting that the candidacy had received a positive response from the governing body.

“I have also been asked to immediately communicate with all ministries,” he told the press.

He made the statement alongside John Herdman, head coach of the Indonesian men’s national football team, who also joined the discussion with the president.

Thohir, who concurrently chairs the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), emphasized that Prabowo also pledged full support for all programs aimed at improving the national team’s performance ahead of various international agendas.

He noted that the president drew particular attention to preparations for the qualifiers for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to begin in September 2027.

“We must exert all-out efforts to prepare for this,” Thohir affirmed.

Herdman, for his part, appreciated Prabowo for ensuring government support for national football development.

He highlighted the 2026 ASEAN Championship and the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup as two key tournaments for Indonesia in the near future. Both competitions are centered on Southeast Asia.

The English football manager underlined the two tournaments as valuable platforms for Team Garuda to grow stronger in quality, help players gain experience, and assess readiness for the long-term goal of qualifying for the 2030 World Cup.

He added that Indonesia should target victory in both regional tournaments to strengthen its standing in Southeast Asian football and build momentum toward the global competition in 2030.

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Translator: Fathur/Maria, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: Azis Kurmala

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