Indonesia Targets Middle Eastern Tests Ahead of 2027 Asian Cup

Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Chairman Erick Thohir confirmed that the Indonesian national football team will travel to the Middle East for a pair of away matches during the international window scheduled for November 9-17.

The fixtures will serve as Indonesia's final preparation before the continental tournament begins in two months.

"We will definitely play in the Middle East," Erick told reporters during the announcement of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 broadcasting rights holder at SCTV Tower in Central Jakarta on Monday, September 14, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

One of Indonesia's scheduled opponents is Jordan, according to an earlier announcement by the Jordan Football Association (JFA). The 2026 World Cup participant is set to host Indonesia at Amman International Stadium on November 13.

Indonesia is also expected to face another Middle Eastern team during the FIFA Match Day window, although Erick declined to reveal the identity of the second opponent. "Hopefully the situation in the Middle East will be good, so we can use this opportunity to test ourselves against Middle Eastern teams," he said.

Erick, who is also Indonesian Youth and Sports Minister, said the decision to arrange matches against teams from the region was based on the unique characteristics of Middle Eastern football.

According to him, teams from the Middle East are known for their physical style of play and their ability to create intense match situations, making them valuable opponents for Indonesia as it prepares for the Asian Cup.

Both Indonesia and Jordan have already secured spots in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. Indonesia has been drawn in Group F alongside Japan, Qatar, and Thailand, while Jordan will compete in Group B with Bahrain, North Korea, and Uzbekistan.

Indonesia will begin its Asian Cup campaign against Japan on January 11, 2027, while Jordan is scheduled to open its tournament against Uzbekistan on January 8.

By arranging friendlies against Middle Eastern opponents, Indonesia hopes to gain a better understanding of the style and intensity it may encounter at the continental tournament, particularly with Qatar among its group-stage rivals. ***