Chelsea FC Takes On JDT in Johor: What You Need to Know

Premier League heavyweights Chelsea FC are bringing their 2026 APAC tour to a close in Johor, facing off against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) on Sunday, 9 August, at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.

For fans in Singapore and Malaysia, this isn’t just another pre-season friendly—it’s Chelsea’s first match outside Kuala Lumpur in over ten years, and their debut at JDT’s world-class home ground.

Stars on the Pitch

Chelsea isn’t holding back on squad selection for this final stop before heading back to England. The travelling lineup brings serious firepower, including:

Cole Palmer
João Pedro (fresh off a second-half hat-trick in their 6-4 win against Western Sydney Wanderers)
Estêvão Willian
Jamie Gittens
Liam Delap
Levi Colwill
Wesley Fofana
Romeo Lavia

With the Blues already displaying plenty of attacking threat in Australia, local fans can expect an open, high-energy game.

Xabi Alonso’s Reconnection with JDT

Newly appointed head coach Xabi Alonso noted that the trip to Johor comes with a few familiar faces in the opposition camp:

“I know that in Malaysia they have a big, big crowd and big support. I know people from Johor—I know Luis Garcia, the sporting director, and Zubiaurre was my goalkeeper before! Wherever we go in the world, we see the support and passion for Chelsea… and we really appreciate that.”

JDT goalkeeper Aitor Zubiaurre previously played under Alonso at Real Sociedad B, adding a nice personal rivalry to the mix on matchday.