Jakarta Hosts First-Ever U-12 International Qualifier

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - For the first time, Indonesia will serve as host of an official U-12 international football qualifier, as the Agung Podomoro Land Cup U-12 Junior Soccer World Challenge 2026 Southeast Asia Qualifier Jakarta kicks off this weekend, June 5–7, at Soemantri Brojonegoro Stadium in South Jakarta.

A total of 20 teams will compete for a coveted ticket to the U-12 Junior Soccer World Challenge 2026 in Chiba, Japan. For young Indonesian players, the tournament offers a rare chance to follow in the footsteps of global stars who once featured in this competition during their youth--among them Barcelona’s rising talent, Lamine Yamal.

President and CEO of Amazing Sports Lab Japan Inc. & NARA CLUB, Mitsuru Hamada, emphasized the tournament’s role in shaping football culture across nations.

“Through this event, the character of football development in Japan can now be experienced directly by Indonesian academies. Young players here will not only learn the game but also gain exposure to languages and cultures from Japan and beyond,” Hamada said in Jakarta on Thursday, May 4, 2026.

The competition will adopt a 7-a-side format with two 15-minute halves, in line with FIFA and PSSI regulations. Matches will begin with a group stage--four groups of five teams--before progressing to knockout rounds. Eligible players are boys born between January 1, 2014, and January 1, 2016.

Of the 20 teams, 19 hail from Indonesia, joined by Mazda GB FC from Laos. The champion will earn an official invitation to Japan in August 2026, complete with round-trip flights Jakarta–Tokyo, accommodation, meals, and domestic transport for 18 players and five officials.

Beyond competition, the qualifier marks a milestone in Indonesia’s grassroots football development, offering academies and schools a platform to measure talent regionally while opening doors to international experience.

Several alumni of the Junior Soccer World Challenge have since risen to global prominence, including Takefusa Kubo, Gavi, Ansu Fati, and Xavi Simons. European giants such as FC Barcelona, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal have also participated in past editions.

President Director of PT Agung Podomoro Land Tbk, Bacelius Ruru, underscored the broader vision behind the event. “Our support reflects a commitment to nurturing Indonesian and Southeast Asian talent while instilling values of discipline, hard work, sportsmanship, leadership, and teamwork," he said.

"We hope this competition strengthens youth football development and produces more players capable of excelling at regional and global levels,” he added.

Group Draw – Agung Podomoro Land Cup U-12 Junior Soccer World Challenge 2026 Southeast Asia Qualifier Jakarta:

• Group A: Garuda Muda FA, Saswco FC, Mazda GB FC (Laos), Kemayoran Premier FC, Alaska FA
• Group B: Djakarta Warriors, Beebold FC, SSB Redwood, Persija Development, Bandung Legend
• Group C: Jakarta Islamic School SC, Immortal FC, Akademi Persib Cimahi, Bandung All Star, SSB Charet’s Tiki
• Group D: Royal Indonesia FA, Persebaya Development, Arek-Arek FC, Royal Junior, SSB Charet’s Taka. ***