4 Interesting Facts Ahead of the AFF U-23 Cup 2025 in Indonesia

Kapanlagi.com - The AFF U-23 Cup 2025 is confirmed to be held in Indonesia, and this time it will not only focus on one major city. The decision by PSSI to spread the match locations across various cities is a strategic step to expand the euphoria of national football. Not only Jakarta and Bekasi, cities like Sidoarjo will also take turns as hosts.

The tournament will take place from July 13 to 31, 2025, involving 12 participating countries divided into three groups. The Indonesian U-23 national team, under the guidance of coach Gerald Vanenburg, will play at home, becoming a new hope after a dramatic loss in the final last year. The group drawing process is scheduled to take place on May 30, 2025, in Jakarta.

"The AFF U-23 Cup 2025 will be in Sidoarjo. Yes, coincidentally, why did we choose Sidoarjo? Sidoarjo has the Gelora Delta Stadium which has been newly renovated," explained PSSI Chairman, Erick Thohir, quoted from Bola.com on Sunday (20/4/2025).

This decision is part of the efforts to decentralize venues so that not just one stadium becomes the center of major matches.

1. Official Appointment of Indonesia as Host

Indonesia has officially been appointed as the host of the AFF U-23 Cup 2025 by the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF). This tournament serves as a strategic preparation for the U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers 2026.

A total of 12 countries will participate in the tournament, which will be held from July 13 to 31, 2025. Each country will be divided into three groups, and the group draw is planned to take place in Jakarta. The PSSI has also prepared a comprehensive plan to ensure the infrastructure and logistics for the tournament.

This tournament is also an important moment for new coach Gerald Vanenburg, who will lead the Indonesian U-23 team for the first time in a major competition. Amid high public expectations, this moment presents a golden opportunity for Indonesia to once again showcase the strength of Garuda Muda at the regional level.

2. Match Locations and Venues

PSSI has confirmed that the AFF U-23 Cup 2025 will be held at Gelora Delta Stadium in Sidoarjo. This stadium was chosen because it has just been renovated and has a capacity of around 19 thousand spectators.

In addition to Sidoarjo, there are also plans to use the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta and the Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium in Bekasi. This shows that PSSI wants to distribute the hosting of matches to various stadiums across Indonesia, not just focused on one location.

3. Team and Player Participation

The AFF U-23 Cup 2025 will be participated by 12 AFF member countries. Indonesia itself has participated in this tournament twice, in 2019 and 2023. There is a possibility that six players from the Indonesian national team at the senior level may still play in the AFF U-23 Cup 2025, depending on the clubs' willingness to release them. However, the status of this tournament, which is not included in the official FIFA calendar, could be a hindrance.

Historically, the AFF U-23 Cup has only been held in two countries, namely Thailand and Cambodia. The hosting in Indonesia this year marks a new milestone in the history of Southeast Asian football. With this tournament, it is hoped that it can improve the quality of football in Indonesia and provide valuable experience for young players.

4. Indonesia's Ambition to Rise After Failure in 2023

The 2025 tournament serves as a moment of revenge for Indonesia after a narrow defeat in the final of the previous edition. In the 2023 AFF U-23 Cup in Thailand, the U-23 National Team had to settle for being the runner-up after losing in a penalty shootout against Vietnam. That defeat was painful but motivated the Garuda Muda squad to perform sharper in the upcoming tournament.

With full support from the public, the target of becoming champions is not impossible. The quality of young players that is starting to form in local competitions also brings great hope. Coach Gerald Vanenburg, who has just taken over as head coach with Patrick Kluivert as assistant, has a big task ahead. They are expected to devise competitive strategies and formations to lead Indonesia to victory on home soil.

5. Questions About the Topic

When will the AFF U-23 Cup 2025 be held?

The AFF U-23 Cup 2025 will be held from July 13 to July 31, 2025.

Where will the matches of the AFF U-23 Cup 2025 take place?

The matches will be held at Gelora Delta Sidoarjo Stadium, as well as possibly at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium and Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium.

How many countries will participate in the AFF U-23 Cup 2025?

A total of 12 AFF member countries will participate in this tournament.

Is the AFF U-23 Cup 2025 included in the official FIFA calendar?

No, the AFF U-23 Cup 2025 is not included in the official FIFA calendar, so player availability depends on their respective clubs.

(kpl/frr)