Persib Bandung will begin their 2026/27 AFC Champions League (ACL) Two campaign against South Korean side FC Seoul at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, according to club announcements and regional coverage. The Indonesian side travels without Brazilian forward Uilliam Barros, who must serve a suspension resulting from a red card picked up in the previous continental season.
Uilliam Barros Suspended for Continental Opener
According to club statements cited by regional media, Persib will be missing Uilliam Barros Pereira for their opening Group E fixture. The Brazilian attacker carries a suspension over from the club’s final match of the previous ACL Two campaign, where he received a red card against Thai club Ratchaburi in the Round of 16.
“Persib is confirmed not to be reinforced by Uilliam Barros Pereira. The Brazilian forward still has to serve a penalty due to a red card he received in the previous season’s ACL Two event,” the club’s official statement read.
Aside from the suspended Barros, the team enters the fixture with a largely clean bill of health. Regional sports reports indicate that nearly the entire squad is ready to play, with no new injuries hampering the traveling party ahead of the midweek clash in South Korea.
Tight Turnaround Following Domestic Setback
The squad’s trip to East Asia comes on the heels of a demanding domestic schedule.
Rather than dwelling on the domestic defeat, the team immediately shifted focus toward international competition. The squad organized a low-intensity recovery training session in Tangerang on Sunday, September 13, 2026, designed to maintain player fitness and ease physical strain following a dense fixture list.
“The squad coached by Igor Tolic is scheduled to fly to South Korea on Sunday night. The trip is part of Persib’s preparation to face the opening match of Group E of the AFC Champions League Two 2026/27,” club updates noted.
Group E Context and Continental Ambitions
Last season, Persib advanced deep into the tournament, reaching the knockout stages before bowing out. Alongside FC Seoul representing South Korea, the group features Australia’s Melbourne Victory and Vietnam’s The Cong-Viettel.
Kickoff at the Seoul World Cup Stadium is scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
