Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim Calls for Support for Harimau Malaya at GBK, Highlights FIFA ASEAN Cup History
Baca dalam 60 detik
- Perdana Menteri Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim mengajak rakyatnya mendukung Timnas Malaysia di laga perdana FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 melawan Bangladesh di Stadion Utama Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta, Jumat (25/9/2026).
- Turnamen edisi perdana ini diikuti delapan negara dan digelar di Indonesia, menjadi ajang pembuktian bagi tim-tim Asia Tenggara plus undangan Bangladesh dan Pakistan.
- Malaysia tergabung di Grup A bersama Indonesia, Singapura, dan Bangladesh, sehingga laga kontra Indonesia pada 28 September berpotensi menjadi penentu langkah mereka ke babak berikutnya.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has openly called for support for the Malaysian national team as it begins its campaign in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. The appeal came ahead of the opening Group A match against Bangladesh at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta, on Friday (25/9/2026).
In a Facebook post, Anwar stressed that Harimau Malaya will face Bangladesh first before meeting two neighboring countries, Indonesia and Singapore. "Let us give our full support to the national team. May they bring success home to Malaysia," he wrote, as quoted by The Sun Daily on Thursday (24/9/2026).
The FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 tournament is being held in Indonesia from 25 September to 5 October 2026. This is the inaugural edition bringing together eight Southeast Asian countries plus Bangladesh and Pakistan. Group A comprises Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Bangladesh, while Group B consists of Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Pakistan. The top two teams from each group will advance to the next round.
Anwar also recalled the process behind the tournament's creation. According to him, the idea was announced at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur last year. "At that time, I witnessed the signing of cooperation between FIFA and ASEAN that paved the way for this tournament," he said.
For Indonesia, hosting the tournament is a test in itself. Besides being the host, the Indonesian national team must face the pressure of regional rivalry, especially when it meets Malaysia on 28 September. The match could determine both teams' path in Group A. Indonesia is also scheduled to face Singapore and Bangladesh.
On the other hand, Malaysia comes with a better ranking than Bangladesh. However, against Indonesia and Singapore, Harimau Malaya cannot rely on rankings alone. Moral support from the government, as Anwar has called for, is expected to boost the players' motivation.
"Insyaallah, Harimau Malaya will begin its struggle against Bangladesh on Friday, before facing two neighboring countries, Indonesia and Singapore."
— Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia
The tournament is also a proving ground for Southeast Asian football on the international stage. With a new format involving Bangladesh and Pakistan, the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 is expected to raise competitiveness and expand the football market in the region. The presence of guest teams from South Asia adds a geopolitical dimension to the sport.
For the Indonesian public, the event is not only about on-field achievement but also economic and tourism opportunities. Jakarta as host will see a surge in visits from participating countries, especially Malaysia and Singapore. The hospitality, culinary, and transportation sectors are predicted to feel the impact.
The big question is whether Indonesia can capitalize on its host status to claim the inaugural title. Or will Malaysia steal the spotlight with full support from its government? The answer will unfold over the next ten days.
