Bandung Legend Qualify for U12 Soccer World Challenge Japan

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s youth football pathway will take another step onto the international stage this August as Bandung Legend prepare to represent the country at the U12 Junior Soccer World Challenge 2026 in Chiba, Japan.

Speaking to reporters in Jakarta on Sunday, head coach Budi Agil said his team is determined to deliver their best performance at the prestigious tournament.

“We will prepare for the transition from 7‑a‑side to 11‑a‑side. I’ll design a special program and add more players. For 11 versus 11, we need at least seven substitutes,” Budi said.

Bandung Legend secured their ticket to the World Challenge after finishing second at the Agung Podomoro Land Cup U12 Junior Soccer World Challenge 2026, the Southeast Asia qualifier, where they fell 1–2 to Laos’ Mazda GB FC in the final held in Jakarta on Sunday.

The Jakarta qualifier used a 7‑a‑side format with 2x15‑minute matches, but the main tournament in Japan will follow standard 11‑a‑side rules.

The competition features boys’ U12 teams (born between 1 January 2014 and 1 January 2016) and will run through a group stage followed by knockout rounds.

The U12 Junior Soccer World Challenge is widely regarded as one of Asia’s most prestigious youth tournaments, regularly attracting elite club academies such as Barcelona, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City.

Several players who once competed in this event have since risen to global prominence, including Lamine Yamal, Takefusa Kubo, Gavi, Ansu Fati, and Xavi Simons.

For Bandung Legend, the tournament offers a rare opportunity to compete on an international stage and measure its young talents against some of the best youth players in the world. ***