PERSIB Bandung opens its ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup 2026/27 campaign in Group B, facing a demanding regional schedule alongside clubs from across Southeast Asia, according to infobdg.com. The Indonesian powerhouse kicks off its tournament journey on October 8, 2026, traveling to Bangkok to face Thai side Port FC at Thammasat Stadium.
Tough Group B Draw Awaits Maung Bandung in Regional Play
The official tournament draw placed PERSIB in Group B alongside a formidable collection of regional competitors. Alongside Port FC, the Indonesian club faces Johor Darul Ta’zim of Malaysia, Lion City Sailors of Singapore, Cong An Ha Noi of Vietnam, PKR Svay Rieng of Cambodia, and Shan United of Myanmar, infobdg.com reported.
Winger Mariano Peralta acknowledged the steep level of competition within the group. According to comments reported by infobdg.com, the Argentine player noted that the pool gathers top-tier clubs from each participating nation, automatically elevating the standard of play.
“The group that we have is a very difficult group,” Peralta said, as translated from infobdg.com. “There are the best teams from each country, and of course that raises the level of competition.”
The former Borneo FC player emphasized that all squad members will strive to give their best ability to secure maximum results.
Peralta Says Squad Handles Heavy Fixture List
Despite the high-caliber opposition in Group B, Peralta insisted that the squad remains unfazed. He stated that the team approaches every fixture with maximum preparation and full responsibility, according to infobdg.com.
The Shopee Cup 2026/27 represents the fourth active competition on PERSIB’s calendar this season, creating a rigorous fixture list. However, Peralta maintained that the heavy workload is standard procedure for the club, noting that the team has operated under similar match volume for three consecutive years, infobdg.com reported.
To sustain performance levels through the congested schedule, PERSIB relies on structured training programs and an extensive roster. “So we have prepared, trained, and we have a very wide squad to face all competitions,” Peralta added.
RANS Entertainment and MNC Group Secure Broadcasting Rights
Ahead of the regional opener, RANS Entertainment partnered with MNC Group to secure official broadcasting rights for PERSIB and Borneo FC matches in the Shopee Cup, acquiring the licenses for tens of rupiah billions to broadcast the fixtures free of charge on YouTube, celebrity.okezone.com reported. The collaboration announcement took place at Le Nusa Jakarta on Monday, September 28, 2026, with the press conference attended by Deputy CEO of PT PERSIB Bandung Bermartabat Adhitia Putra Herawan and MNC Group Co-CEO Angela Herliani Tanoesoedibjo. Presenter Raffi Ahmad stated that the massive investment stems from a commitment to support national football and showcase Indonesian representatives on the ASEAN stage, according to celebrity.okezone.com.
“The biggest and most real support that we can do is the courage to buy the broadcast license of this tournament whose value is very expensive,” the presenter said when met in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta. “For us, this is not about price. Because this is our commitment to support national football. Do not see Persib from West Java and Borneo FC from Kalimantan. We must see them as representatives of Indonesia in the ASEAN matches.”
Angela Tanoesoedibjo noted that RANS Entertainment’s digital platform possesses a unique strength capable of perfecting television broadcast reach, adding that the tournament provides space for clubs from various countries to compete while building positive relationships through sports so that the Indonesian public can enjoy the competition.
Adhitia Putra Herawan, Deputy CEO of PT PERSIB Bandung Bermartabat, noted that participation in the regional tournament serves to elevate the club’s competitive standards. Herawan emphasized that the matches offer valuable experience while carrying the identity of Bandung and Indonesia into Southeast Asian football, hoping the journey becomes a shared experience to be enjoyed and supported by all Bobotoh while respecting every opponent.
Injury Management and Tactical Preparation for Port FC
Entering the opening fixture at Thammasat Stadium, PERSIB continues its preparations despite missing several players currently on international duty with the Indonesia national team alongside ongoing roster injuries. Winger Luka Menalo confirmed that training sessions remain productive ahead of the trip to Thailand.
“Preparation is going very well,” Menalo said. “We are missing some national team players and also some players who are injured, but everything is fine. We are ready for the Shopee Cup, Super League, and also AFC.”
The coaching staff has actively reviewed footage of Port FC, monitoring their performances in AFC Champions League Elite competitions to formulate a tactical game plan. Menalo expressed optimism about securing a positive result in Bangkok, targeting an opening victory to start the group stage campaign on October 8, 2026.
Previously, PERSIB defeated PSM Makassar 3-1 at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium (GBLA) in Bandung, West Java, on Sunday, September 6, 2026, during their opening match of the BRI Super League 2026-2027.
Related reading
