Medan's Teladan Stadium Withdrawn as Venue for 2026 ASEAN U19 Championship

Unwelcome news has emerged regarding one of the venues for the 2026 ASEAN U19 Championship just days before the tournament is set to begin. Medan’s Teladan Stadium has been removed as an official venue, according to North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution on Saturday (30 May 2026). Safety concerns and incomplete facilities, including toilets and spectator access, led to the cancellation of its hosting status. ‘The pitch is fine, but supporting infrastructure like toilets, access, and other facilities are not yet complete,’ Nasution stated. He also expressed support for the Football Association of Indonesia’s (PSSI) decision to prioritise spectator safety. Originally scheduled to host Group B matches involving Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei Darussalam, the cancellation leaves only two venues: the North Sumatra Main Stadium (SUSU) and the Deli Serdang Athletics Sports Centre Secondary Stadium. PSSI executive Arya Sinulingga confirmed that Teladan Stadium may still be used, albeit not for matches. It could serve as a training facility for participating teams. ‘No final decision has been made yet,’ Sinulingga said. ‘The options range from using it as a training ground to hosting matches without spectators. There could be up to four matches,’ he added.