Indonesia Challenges Asian Giants in Hosting Bid for 2027 AFC Asian Cup

Indonesia has officially submitted its bid to become the Asian Cup Host for 2031. This marks a strategic step affirming the long-term ambitions of national football at the continental level.

AFC announced through its official website on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, that the bidding process for the 2031 Asian Cup concluded last year. Indonesia is one of nine candidate nations that submitted bids. 

Among Indonesia's eight competitors, three countries submitted joint hosting proposals. 

Countries competing directly with Indonesia include Australia, India, South Korea, and Kuwait.

Meanwhile, three Central Asian nations—Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan—submitted a joint-hosting proposal.

The race for the Asian Cup Host seat in 2031 narrowed slightly after AFC also announced the withdrawal of the United Arab Emirates from the bidding process. 

This situation creates a more open competition while increasing opportunities for nations with strong track records and infrastructure readiness.

Beyond focusing on the 2031 edition, AFC also stated that four countries have announced interest in hosting the 2035 Asian Cup: Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Kuwait. 

This development confirms that the competition to host the Asian Cup will intensify over the next decade.

For Indonesia, this bid isn't merely symbolic. Indonesia previously co-hosted the Asian Cup in 2007 alongside Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. 

At that time, Indonesia was entrusted with hosting Group D matches featuring Indonesia, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea.

Beyond the group stage, Indonesia also hosted crucial tournament matches.

The Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium hosted the Quarter Final between Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan, as well as the final between Iraq and Saudi Arabia. 

Meanwhile, Jakabaring Stadium in Palembang hosted the third-place playoff between South Korea and Japan.