Timnas Indonesia will play its upcoming FIFA Matchday fixtures away from home in the Middle East this November, according to an announcement by PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir in Jakarta on Monday (Sept. 14, 2026). The decision marks a shift for the squad, which has routinely hosted international friendlies on home soil during recent windows.
Why Timnas Indonesia is Playing Away in November 2026
The primary catalyst for moving November’s matches abroad involves scheduling conflicts at the nation’s premier sporting venue. According to Erick Thohir, the Stadion Utama Gelora Bung Karno (SUGBK) in Jakarta will be unavailable at the end of the year due to an upcoming three-day concert by South Korean boy band BTS, scheduled for Dec. 26, 27, and 29. “November we will be away, playing in another country. Yes, we are stepping aside for BTS. BTS for 3 days, alhamdulillah,” Thohir said at the SCTV Tower in Jakarta.
Beyond venue logistics, PSSI structured the away trip as a strategic preparation tool. The team aims to adapt to the physical style and intense atmospheres typical of Middle Eastern competition ahead of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, which kicks off in Saudi Arabia on Jan. 7, 2027. “So that this team preparation can try Middle Eastern teams,” Thohir explained. “Yes, over there, Middle Eastern teams are also known to be full of hard football and drama.”
Confirmed Opponents and Schedule Context
The Jordan Football Association (JFA) announced via social media on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, that Timnas Indonesia will travel to Amman to face Jordan during the FIFA Matchday window running from Nov. 9 to Nov. 17, 2026. This fixture renews a familiar matchup; Jordan previously hosted Indonesia on June 11, 2019, at the King Abdullah II International Stadium, where the hosts secured a 4-1 victory.
While the fixture against Jordan is officially locked in, PSSI continues to finalize arrangements for a second opponent during the same window. Thohir indicated that the squad anticipates receiving formal confirmation from a second federation soon, noting that the opponent is also expected to hail from the Middle East region, pending stable security and logistical conditions.
The Road to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup
The November friendlies form a vital bridge in a packed calendar for the national team. Prior to heading to the Middle East, the squad participates in the ASEAN Cup fixtures scheduled across the September and October FIFA windows. Following the November away matches, the team transitions directly into the continental championship.
The 2027 AFC Asian Cup runs from Jan. 7 to Feb. 5, 2027, in Saudi Arabia. Looking beyond the tournament, PSSI plans to return to hosting home friendlies during the March and June 2027 international windows, depending on venue availability and future scheduling coordination.
Timnas Indonesia returns to action when the FIFA Matchday calendar opens on Nov. 9, 2026. Fans looking to follow the squad’s preparations can check official updates released through PSSI channels.
