Indonesia has been officially selected by FIFA to host the FIFA Series 2026, a biennial international friendly tournament scheduled for March 2026, with PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir confirming the appointment and expressing gratitude for the trust placed in the nation following its successful hosting of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2023.
FIFA announced on Friday, November 21, 2025, that Indonesia joins seven other nations as host countries for the men's FIFA Series 2026, alongside Australia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, and Uzbekistan, with the tournament designed to bring together national teams from different confederations during the March and April international break.
The tournament will provide Indonesia's national team with opportunities to face opponents from five confederations outside Asia as determined by FIFA, offering valuable experience for players and coaches to test strategies against teams rarely encountered in competitive matches, according to Erick Thohir.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized that the FIFA Series aims to open development opportunities for players, coaches, and supporters while promoting unity and diversity in football through meaningful matches, connecting countries through competition to strengthen the sport at every level and bring local communities to the global stage.
Erick Thohir stated that FIFA's decision reflects the federation's recognition of Indonesian football's enthusiasm and capability to host world-class events, with the appointment also supported by President Prabowo Subianto's commitment to advancing Indonesian football internationally, while Infantino is expected to attend the AFF Congress in Bangkok on November 22-23, 2025, to discuss the proposed FIFA ASEAN tournament that could transform Southeast Asian football.
