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Jakarta, Indonesia – Indonesia’s ambitions of hosting the 2031 AFC Asian Cup have been dealt a significant blow, as the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has officially cancelled the bidding process for both the 2031 and 2035 editions of the tournament. The decision, announced on Thursday, March 19, 2026, stems from a request by FIFA to align the AFC’s premier men’s football tournament with an even-year calendar.
The AFC confirmed the cancellation in a formal statement, explaining that FIFA recently communicated its desire for the Asian Cup to be held in even-numbered years. After careful consideration, the AFC agreed to comply with the request, leading to the complete termination of the bidding process for both the 2031 and 2035 tournaments.
“After careful consideration, we have agreed to follow FIFA’s request,” the AFC stated in a communication to its member associations. “Accordingly, the bidding process for the AFC Asian Cup 2031 and 2035 will be cancelled completely.”
This news is particularly impactful for Indonesia, which had formally expressed its interest in hosting the 2031 tournament and was considered a candidate. The nation had been actively preparing a bid, hoping to showcase its growing football infrastructure and passion for the sport.
The decision to halt the bidding process impacts not only Indonesia but also other nations that had submitted expressions of interest. Confirmed bidders included Australia, India, Kuwait, South Korea, and a joint bid from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan for the 2031 edition. Australia, Kuwait, and South Korea, along with Japan, had also set forward bids for the 2035 tournament.
According to reports from the Japan Times, this shift in scheduling could potentially see the Asian Cup move to 2032 and 2036, aligning with the European Championship (Euro) and Copa America schedules. This move aims to avoid calendar congestion and maximize viewership for all three major continental tournaments.
Indonesia’s Bid and the Path Forward
Indonesia’s interest in hosting the 2031 Asian Cup had generated considerable excitement within the country. In February 2025, the nation officially registered its candidacy, joining a field of eight hopeful nations. The potential to host such a prestigious event was seen as a major step forward for Indonesian football, offering opportunities for infrastructure development and increased international exposure.
The AFC had initially outlined a bidding timeline in April 2025, with a final bid submission deadline set for June 30, 2026, followed by inspection visits and the appointment of hosts in 2027. However, FIFA’s intervention has effectively reset that timeline, leaving the future hosting rights uncertain.
The cancellation of the bidding process means that the AFC will need to reassess its strategy for selecting host nations. While the exact process for future selections remains unclear, it’s likely that the AFC will explore alternative methods, potentially involving direct invitations or a revised bidding framework.
This development comes as Arab Saudi is already confirmed as the host nation for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. Australia is currently hosting the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, running from March 1st to 21st, demonstrating the country’s continued commitment to hosting major football events.
The AFC’s decision underscores the increasing influence of FIFA in shaping the Asian football calendar. While the rationale behind the change – aligning with an even-year schedule – is intended to benefit the sport globally, it has undoubtedly disrupted the plans of nations like Indonesia that were actively pursuing hosting rights.
For Indonesia, this setback doesn’t necessarily signal the end of its ambitions to host a major international football tournament. The nation will likely continue to invest in its football infrastructure and explore future opportunities to bid for other prestigious events. However, the immediate impact is a postponement of those aspirations, leaving Indonesian fans to wait for another chance to witness the Asian Cup on home soil.
The AFC has indicated that it is currently evaluating the implications of this calendar adjustment and considering necessary revisions to its competition schedule. The organization has emphasized the need to avoid uncertainty regarding the appointment of host nations, leading to the decisive action of halting the ongoing bidding process.
While the news is disappointing for Indonesia and other bidding nations, the AFC’s decision reflects a broader effort to harmonize the international football calendar and optimize the scheduling of major tournaments. The long-term effects of this change remain to be seen, but it’s clear that the landscape of Asian football hosting has been significantly altered.
The next steps for the AFC are crucial. A clear and transparent process for selecting future host nations will be essential to maintain the confidence of its member associations and ensure the continued growth and success of the Asian Cup.
Fans and stakeholders will be closely watching for further announcements from the AFC regarding the future of the tournament and the selection of host nations for the 2031 and 2035 editions. For now, Indonesia’s hopes of hosting the 2031 Asian Cup are on hold, but the nation’s passion for football remains undiminished.
What’s Next: The AFC is expected to announce a revised plan for selecting host nations for the 2031 and 2035 Asian Cups in the coming months. Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates as this story develops.
What are your thoughts on the AFC’s decision? Share your opinions in the comments below.
