Chelsea to play JDT in Malaysia pre-season friendly in August

By AI, Created 3:10 PM UTC, May 21, 2026, /AGP/ – Chelsea FC will face Johor Darul Ta’zim FC on Aug. 11 at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Johor, Malaysia, in a pre-season match that TEG Sport says will be the English club’s first visit to the country since 2013. Ticket presales begin May 21, with general sales opening May 22.

Why it matters: - The match brings a Premier League club to one of Southeast Asia’s most successful teams, giving Malaysian fans a rare chance to see Chelsea FC in Johor. - The fixture also gives Johor Darul Ta’zim FC a high-profile home test against elite European opposition. - Chelsea FC will use the game as the final match of its pre-season tour before the 2026/27 campaign.

What happened: - TEG Sport announced a Chelsea FC vs. Johor Darul Ta’zim FC fixture for Tuesday, 11 August 2026, at 8:00 p.m. MYT. - The match will be played at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Johor, Malaysia, which seats 34,000. - Chelsea FC will visit Malaysia for the first time since a friendly in 2013, according to Pete Nuttall, Chelsea Football Club’s director of football operations.

The details: - Ticket registration for exclusive pre-sale access is available through TEG Sport at tegsport.com.au. - CFC & JDT Supporter Club presale opens Thursday, 21 May 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Malaysia time. - General public sales open Friday, 22 May 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Malaysia time. - Tickets start at RM 154. - The sale includes five seating categories, with VIP seats priced up to RM 1,254. - Tickets are sold through Tickethotline.com.my. - A processing fee applies to each transaction. - Tatler is the official experience partner for the match.

Between the lines: - Chelsea FC enters the match with major global credentials, including the FIFA Club World Cup title and multiple domestic and European trophies. - The club recently appointed Xabi Alonso as manager ahead of the 2026/27 season. - JDT is positioning the fixture as another sign of its rise in Asian football after 12 straight Malaysia Super League titles and past continental success. - The event also underscores the commercial pull of football in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia.

What’s next: - Fans can expect more ticketing updates through TEG Sport ahead of the August fixture. - Chelsea FC and JDT will continue pre-season preparations before the match becomes the final tune-up for Chelsea’s new campaign. - Organizers say the game is part of a broader series of future opportunities between the clubs.

The bottom line: - Chelsea FC’s trip to Johor combines pre-season preparation, regional fan engagement and a showcase matchup for Malaysian football on a major stage.