The 2026 President's Cup has officially kicked off, with the match between Persib and Arema scheduled as the tournament's opening fixture.

Indonesia's most prestigious pre-season tournament, the 2026 President's Cup, is confirmed to run from 25 July to 6 August 2026. This eighth edition will pit eight clubs from four countries against one another, while also acting as official preparation ahead of the 2026/2027 domestic football season.

Five Indonesian clubs will compete against three visiting foreign teams from Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, and Thailand.

The Indonesian participating clubs are Persib Bandung, Persebaya Surabaya, Persija Jakarta, PSMS Medan, and Arema FC. The three overseas representatives are Singapore's Tampines Rovers, Brunei Darussalam's DPMM FC who compete in the Malaysian League, and defending tournament champions Port FC of Thailand.

Held in Bandung and Surabaya

The 2026 President's Cup will be hosted across two venues: Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung, and Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium in Surabaya.

Si Jalak Harupat Stadium will host all Group A fixtures, with group members Persib Bandung, Arema FC, DPMM FC, and Tampines Rovers.

Meanwhile every Group B match will be played at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, between participants Persebaya Surabaya, Persija Jakarta, PSMS Medan, and Port FC.

The opening fixture will immediately deliver a high-profile grudge match: three-time consecutive Indonesian League title holders Persib Bandung will face Arema FC, the most successful team in President's Cup history with four championship wins.

This match is scheduled to kick off at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium on 25 July at 19.30 WIB.

Champion Prize Raised to 6 Billion Rupiah

President's Cup Steering Committee Chairman Maruarar Sirait confirmed the winner's prize pool has been increased from the previous tournament edition.

"I have raised the prize money. Last year it was 5.5 billion Rupiah, won by Thailand's Port FC. This year the first place champion will receive 6 billion Rupiah," Ara stated during the official press conference.

The increased prize value is intended to drive all participating teams to deliver their maximum performance throughout the tournament.

Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Chairman Erick Thohir noted the President's Cup remains a critical benchmark for every club to evaluate their squad strength before the new official competitive season begins.

"This is a very good opportunity to test out their teams," Erick commented.

Through this tournament, all head coaches will be able to trial player lineups, tactical systems, and the performance of new signings prior to the launch of the 2026/2027 Indonesian League.

Organisers also confirmed that semi-final and final match schedules will be announced at an upcoming follow-up press conference.

2026 President's Cup Group Allocations

Group A

Persib Bandung
Arema FC
DPMM FC
Tampines Rovers

Group B

Persebaya Surabaya
Persija Jakarta
PSMS Medan
Port FC

The 2026 President's Cup is projected to once again capture huge attention from Indonesian football supporters. Alongside elite domestic club rivalries, the inclusion of international visiting teams will also lift the overall competitive standard of the tournament.