PSSI General Chairman Erick Thohir said FIFA is still in final negotiations over participating nations and tournament format for the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, countering rumours of group divisions that circulated on social media. Thohir emphasised that confirmation of the tournament structure and complete list of participating teams remain under discussion and final alignment with FIFA.
"There is still a bit of negotiation regarding the host contract and its contents," Thohir said at the office of the Ministry of Youth and Sports on Monday. He added that the federation is awaiting FIFA's confirmation on participating teams and match schedules, with the possibility that FIFA could provide updates within the next one or two days.
Earlier reports indicated FIFA ASEAN Cup had already conducted a group draw, with Indonesia grouped with India, Malaysia, and Singapore in Group A, while Vietnam, Pakistan, Thailand, and the Philippines were said to be in Group B. However, reports later emerged that India would not participate in the tournament, creating confusion.
Thohir explained that the tournament is an official FIFA programme under the full control of world football's governing body, not a locally organised event. He noted that final approval of participating nations and technical regulations falls entirely under FIFA's authority. Thohir described the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup as FIFA's largest event after the World Cup.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from September 21 to October 3, 2026. PSSI has designated Jakarta and West Java as host cities, with the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta and the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung serving as primary venues.
