Will the eruption of Anak Krakatoa volcano affect the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026?
In recent days, the Anak Krakatoa volcano in the Sunda Strait, Indonesia, has erupted violently, prompting football fans to wonder if this will impact the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 scheduled from 24 September to 5 October. Ash has spread across multiple areas, but so far the tournament organizers have not issued any statements.
The biggest concern right now is air traffic. According to the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), volcanic ash from Anak Krakatoa sometimes rises to about 15,000 feet and moves southwest to northwest. At higher altitudes, ash has been detected around 50,000 feet, drifting toward the Indian Ocean.
Volcanic ash has been found at several airports on Java and Sumatra islands. Subsequently, Indonesian airline AirNav issued a National Air Traffic Management Notice (NOTAM) requesting the temporary closure of eight airports until 23:59 on 7 September for safety reasons.
With about two weeks remaining before the competition starts, recent reports indicate that ash levels are decreasing and conditions are gradually improving. Fortunately, the eruption did not occur near Bandung, the city hosting Thailand's national team matches, so no issues are expected.
Regarding the broadcast rights for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, which some Thai fans have been asking about, no deals have been finalized yet in Thailand or Vietnam. Thairath Sport contacted Vietnamese media sources who said that several companies are waiting for the broadcast rights prices to drop before potentially finalizing deals at the last minute.
Here is the schedule for Thailand's national team:
#Matchday1 Pakistan vs. Thailand, 26 September 2026, 16:00, Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung, Indonesia.
#Matchday2 Thailand vs. Vietnam, 29 September 2026, 19:30, Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung, Indonesia.
#Matchday3 Thailand vs. Philippines, 2 October 2026, 16:00, Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung, Indonesia.