Chelsea’s rapid turnaround: Facing Johor Darul Ta’zim in Malaysia

Chelsea’s rigorous 2026 preseason schedule reaches a demanding climax this weekend. Barely 24 hours after their impressive 3-0 victory over AC Milan in Jakarta, the Blues have traveled across the Java Sea to Iskandar Puteri, Malaysia, for a friendly against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.

Managing the load

Head coach Xabi Alonso approached the Milan fixture with a competitive intensity, keeping his core starters on the pitch for the majority of the match. Given the proximity of this second fixture, supporters should expect significant rotation. With a squad depth exceeding 30 players, Alonso has the luxury of fielding a fresh XI to ensure the physical demands of the tour do not compromise the squad’s fitness ahead of the Premier League opener.

I think that we will get better and by the start of the Premier League season we will be ready. But even that will be another starting point in the evolution of the team.

The opposition: Johor Darul Ta’zim

JDT enter this encounter as the dominant force in Malaysian football, currently riding a streak of twelve consecutive Malaysia Super League titles. Managed by former Watford boss Xisco Muñoz, the side has proven difficult to beat, losing only six of their 56 matches since Muñoz took the helm in 2025. While they are a formidable domestic outfit, they will be looking to test themselves against elite European opposition.

Match Details

• Date: Sunday, August 9, 2026
• Kick-off: 13:00 BST (8:00 EDT)
• Venue: Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Iskandar Puteri
• Streaming: Available via CFC+ for UK and international viewers, Paramount+ in the US, and FanCode in India.

Following this clash, Chelsea will return home to conclude their preseason preparations against Real Sociedad next weekend, marking the final stage before the squad settles into its definitive shape for the new campaign.