Football enthusiasts worldwide are geared up for a thrilling pre-season friendly as English powerhouse Chelsea takes on Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) today, Sunday, August 9, 2026. This fixture marks the conclusion of Chelsea’s extensive Asian tour, offering Xabi Alonso’s squad one final test before the new Premier League season kicks off.
The match promises to be an intriguing encounter as the Blues look to fine-tune their strategies and build cohesion, while JDT aims to make a statement on their home turf against European opposition.
Match Details
The highly anticipated friendly will be held at the impressive Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM Malaysia Time (MYT), which translates to 5:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) for viewers in India. The match is part of the 2026 Club Friendly series.
Chelsea’s Pre-Season Form and JDT’s Dominance
Chelsea’s pre-season has been a mixed bag of results, featuring a high-scoring 6-4 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers, followed by defeats to Tottenham Hotspur (2-1) and Juventus (0-1). However, the Blues secured a convincing 3-0 win against AC Milan just yesterday, demonstrating their attacking prowess. Manager Xabi Alonso is expected to rotate his squad, providing valuable minutes to a wider range of players, including promising youngsters and those returning from injury.
Meanwhile, Johor Darul Ta’zim, often referred to as the ‘Southern Tigers’, are the undisputed kings of Malaysian football, boasting an incredible record of 12 consecutive Super League titles. They enter this friendly with strong domestic form, having recently drawn 0-0 with Elche in a friendly outing. This match will be the first-ever meeting between these two clubs, adding an extra layer of excitement.
Where to Watch Johor Darul Ta’zim vs Chelsea Live
India: FanCode is offering live streaming for select club friendlies 2026 on its app and website. Fans can catch club-wise friendlies (five) with a Match Pass for INR 99, or get full access with a Season Pass for INR 249.
Global Streaming
- CFC+ (Chelsea’s Official Streaming Service): Available worldwide, this is Chelsea’s dedicated platform for fans to watch pre-season fixtures. Please note: The CFC+ stream will not be available in Malaysia.
This friendly serves as a crucial final step for Chelsea in their pre-season preparations, while providing JDT with a fantastic opportunity to test themselves against elite European opposition. Don’t miss what promises to be an engaging encounter as both teams vie for bragging rights and valuable match fitness.