MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution has reaffirmed the province's full readiness to host the AFF U-19 Championship 2026 or ASEAN U-19 Boys' Championship 2026, pledging world-class facilities that meet and even exceed international standards.
The prestigious Southeast Asian youth football tournament is scheduled to take place from June 1 to 14, 2026, with
North Sumatra serving as the official host region.
Top-Standard Stadiums Ready for Action
Read Also: Bobby Nasution Pushes BPJS Health Service Reform in North Sumatra The provincial government has prepared three main venues to support the tournament: the Sumut Main Stadium, Teladan Stadium, and the Mini Dispora Stadium.
Governor Bobby emphasized that all facilities are being readied in close coordination with regional governments across cities and regencies to ensure seamless operations.
"We will provide the best facilities possible, even above standard. City and district governments are working together to ensure this major event runs successfully," Bobby said after the
AFF U-19 2026 draw held at the Raja Inal Siregar Hall, Governor's Office of
North Sumatra, Medan, on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
TOUGH U-19 CHALLENGE: PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir acknowledges a competitive group but remains optimistic about Indonesia's chances. (PHOTO: Doc. North Sumatra Communication and Information Office)
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Bobby also highlighted that preparations are being carried out in close collaboration with the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) and local authorities to ensure a well-organized tournament.
"We are preparing this together with PSSI and Medan Mayor Rico Waas to ensure the event is executed at its best," he added.
Read Also: Hardiknas 2026: Bobby Nasution Calls for Annual Salary Increase for Teachers in North Sumatra 11 Nations Compete Across Three GroupsA total of 11 countries will participate in the tournament: Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Timor-Leste, and Australia. The teams are divided into three groups, competing in 19 matches throughout the event.
AFF President Khiev Sameth praised
North Sumatra's readiness as host, highlighting its strong football culture, solid infrastructure, and passionate fan base.
"We see strong government support here. Medan has a long football history, a large fan base, and very high enthusiasm," he said.
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Bobby Nasution, Erick Thohir, and Khiev Sameth join children during the official draw event in Medan on Thursday, May 7, 2026. (PHOTO: Doc.
North Sumatra Communication and Information Office)
Indonesia Faces Tough Group ChallengePSSI Chairman Erick Thohir described the draw as challenging. Indonesia's U-19 national team has been placed in Group A alongside Vietnam, Timor-Leste, and Myanmar.
Read Also: Filemo Daeli Elected to Lead Catholic Youth in Nias Barat for 2026–2029 "Our group is competitive, but we must show a winning mentality. We are not afraid of any opponent," Erick stated.
Group B features Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei Darussalam, while Group C consists of Australia, Cambodia, and the Philippines.
Grassroots Football Development InitiativeAlongside the draw ceremony, PSSI and the North Sumatra government also organized a football donation program for children, aiming to strengthen grassroots development as part of preparations for the AFF U-19 2026. (IDNC)
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Darmailawati | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala