Saturday, 11 July 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution has reaffirmed the province's full readiness to host the AFF U-19 Championship 2026 or ASEAN U-19 Boys' Championship 2026, pledging world-class facilities that meet and even exceed international standards.
The prestigious Southeast Asian youth football tournament is scheduled to take place from June 1 to 14, 2026, with North Sumatra serving as the official host region.Top-Standard Stadiums Ready for Action
Read Also:The provincial government has prepared three main venues to support the tournament: the Sumut Main Stadium, Teladan Stadium, and the Mini Dispora Stadium.
Governor Bobby emphasized that all facilities are being readied in close coordination with regional governments across cities and regencies to ensure seamless operations.
"We will provide the best facilities possible, even above standard. City and district governments are working together to ensure this major event runs successfully," Bobby said after the AFF U-19 2026 draw held at the Raja Inal Siregar Hall, Governor's Office of North Sumatra, Medan, on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
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Close Coordination with PSSI for Smooth Execution
Bobby also highlighted that preparations are being carried out in close collaboration with the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) and local authorities to ensure a well-organized tournament."We are preparing this together with PSSI and Medan Mayor Rico Waas to ensure the event is executed at its best," he added.
Read Also:11 Nations Compete Across Three Groups
A total of 11 countries will participate in the tournament: Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Timor-Leste, and Australia. The teams are divided into three groups, competing in 19 matches throughout the event.
AFF President Khiev Sameth praised North Sumatra's readiness as host, highlighting its strong football culture, solid infrastructure, and passionate fan base."We see strong government support here. Medan has a long football history, a large fan base, and very high enthusiasm," he said.
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PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir described the draw as challenging. Indonesia's U-19 national team has been placed in Group A alongside Vietnam, Timor-Leste, and Myanmar.
Read Also:"Our group is competitive, but we must show a winning mentality. We are not afraid of any opponent," Erick stated.
Group B features Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei Darussalam, while Group C consists of Australia, Cambodia, and the Philippines.
Grassroots Football Development InitiativeAlongside the draw ceremony, PSSI and the North Sumatra government also organized a football donation program for children, aiming to strengthen grassroots development as part of preparations for the AFF U-19 2026. (IDNC)
Read Also:REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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