Bangladesh Football Team Departs for Indonesia Amid Visa Delays

The Bangladesh national football team has officially commenced its journey to Jakarta, Indonesia, on September 19, 2026, to participate in the upcoming ASEAN Cup. The team's departure comes amid notable visa complications that delayed travel clearances for the travelling contingent, which includes officials and players who eventually secured their documentation just a night prior to their scheduled flight.

According to team management details shared by Amirul Islam Babu, the delegation departed on the night of September 19 utilizing Singapore Airlines. The complex travel itinerary requires the squad to first fly to Singapore, where they will endure a transit period lasting approximately two and a half to three hours following a four-hour initial flight sector.

Continuing the journey onward to the final destination, the Bangladesh national football team is scheduled to arrive in Indonesia on Sunday morning around 11 AM. Demonstrating immediate intent upon arrival, the coaching staff plans to conduct a training session during the afternoon on the very same day to help players adjust to local conditions ahead of the tournament.

Regarding accommodation and logistical arrangements, Amirul Islam Babu clarified that FIFA funding for hotel expenses is officially slated to begin only after September 22. Consequently, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has stepped in to financially cover the squad's hotel costs for the initial two to three days preceding FIFA's coverage period.

The squad will receive significant reinforcements in the coming days as key players Hamza Choudhury, Shomit Som, and Farhan Ali Wahid are set to join the national team directly in Indonesia on September 21. The coaching staff has already established a comprehensive coordination program to ensure a smooth reception and integration for the arriving overseas-based trio.

The upcoming ASEAN Cup 2026 is officially scheduled to take place in Jakarta, Indonesia, running from September 24 to October 4. In the group stage fixtures, Bangladesh finds itself positioned within a competitive Group 'A', where they are set to face regional opponents including host nation Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.