PSSI is evaluating the old format, the 2026 President's Cup could be more innovative.

Plans for the 2026 President's Cup are becoming clearer. PSSI is currently studying the possibility of changing the format of this prestigious pre-season tournament to make it more relevant to the development of national football.

PSSI Chairman, Erick Thohir, revealed that his party is still finalizing the concept for the eighth edition of the President's Cup, including the potential for a new format different from previous seasons.

"Earlier Mr. Ara (Maruarar Sirait, Chairman of the 2025 President's Cup Steering Committee) expressed his commitment, and for this eighth President's Cup, we are still discussing it," Erick told reporters after the closing of the 2025 President's Cup in Jakarta, Sunday, April 12, 2026.

"But the main point is we also want all governors, regents to contribute, so that this football can continue to thrive. Hopefully, we will discuss this format again later," he added.

Evaluating Old Format, Opportunity for New Format

During the previous seven editions, the President's Cup was participated in by 6 to 20 clubs from various tiers, ranging from Liga 1 to Liga 2, and even involving foreign teams in the last edition.

The format used has been relatively consistent, namely a group phase at the start of the tournament before proceeding to the knockout stage until the final.

However, the evolving dynamics of Indonesian Football have led PSSI to open opportunities for refreshing the format to make the competition more competitive and inclusive.

The 2025 President's Cup was the edition with the fewest participants, only six teams. The tournament, held from July 6-13, was won by the Thai club Port FC after defeating Oxford United in the final.

The presence of international clubs is considered to have added a new dimension and improved the quality of the competition.

Erick acknowledged that the participation of foreign teams had a positive impact and opened opportunities for future collaboration.

"They also expressed a desire to return. But again, we are looking at the formula first, the format. Because indeed, the development of the national team has happened, Liga 1, Liga 2, and big clubs have developed," he said.

Flexible Schedule, Adapting to the 2026 World Cup

Besides the format, the schedule is also still under discussion. Erick stated that the 2026 President's Cup may not necessarily be held in July like previous editions.

This is partly due to the busy international football calendar, including the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

"We don't know yet because this year's complexity includes the World Cup championship," he said.

PSSI also wants to expand the involvement of various parties, including local governments, in supporting the development of national football.

Erick emphasized the importance of contributions from the regency, city, up to provincial levels to make Football Development more equitable.

"Well, indeed there is a thought about How to contribute to clubs in regencies, cities, and of course at the provincial level. This is what we need to involve again. But it's not finalized yet, we'll give time until Thursday," he continued.

Chairman of the President's Cup Steering Committee, Maruarar Sirait, emphasized that the success of the tournament is inseparable from the cooperation of all elements of national football.

"Remember, in football there is no superman, there is a super team. That is clubs, managers, players, media, sponsors, regulators, local governments, TNI, and Polri who assist with security. And all of that becomes a unified, controlled ecosystem," said Ara.