The 2026 President's Cup returns as a warm-up event for clubs ahead of the 2026/2027 season. This prestigious pre-season tournament will take place from July 25 to August 6, 2026, in Bandung and Surabaya, featuring a total of 16 matches.
This eighth edition of the President's Cup presents an even more exciting competition. In addition to five Indonesian clubs, the tournament also features three Southeast Asian representatives: DPMM FC from Brunei Darussalam, Tampines Rovers FC from Singapore, and defending champion Port FC from Thailand.
The presence of foreign clubs is expected to improve the quality of competition and serve as a benchmark for Indonesian clubs before entering the official competition season.
The opening match features two exciting matches at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium. DPMM FC will face Tampines Rovers FC in the opening match, before Persib Bandung faces Arema FC in a match that evening, which is expected to attract a large fan base.
PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir believes the presence of Southeast Asia's best clubs will provide valuable experience for Indonesian teams.
According to Erick, the President's Cup is not just a pre-season tournament, but also a forum to measure club readiness before the start of Liga 1.
"This tournament will be very exciting because it brings together big Indonesian clubs with the best clubs from Southeast Asia. We will see if the Indonesian clubs can maintain their performance and compete against strong teams, including the defending champions from Thailand, Port FC," said Erick Thohir.
He also emphasized that the organization of the President's Cup received full attention from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as part of efforts to strengthen the national football ecosystem.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Steering Committee (SC) for the 2026 President's Cup, Maruarar Sirait, said the tournament plays a crucial role in player regeneration and increasing the competitiveness of Indonesian clubs.
