Malaysian media speak out as the country's 'big team' faces the V.League champion

Malaysian media assess the Shopee Cup 2026/27 draw as quite favorable, as JDT avoids reigning champion Buriram United in the group stage.

Malaysian media have paid special attention to the draw results The Southeast Asian Club Championship (Shopee Cup) 2026/27 took place in Jakarta on June 5. According to the assessment of New Straits Times (NST), the fact that the two Malaysian representatives, Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and Kuching City, are placed in different groups is seen as a favorable outcome, while also opening up many opportunities for Malaysian football to make its mark on the regional stage.

The most noteworthy point of the draw ceremony was that the reigning champion Buriram United and Malaysia's top force JDT did not have to face each other early in the group stage. The regulation protecting teams from the same country also separated JDT and Kuching City, thereby avoiding an internal clash and increasing the chances of both teams advancing far. This is considered an ideal scenario for Malaysian representatives in the increasingly competitive context of the Shopee Cup.

In Group B, JDT will face a series of formidable opponents including Port FC of Thailand, Hanoi Police FC of Vietnam, Svay Rieng of Cambodia, Lion City Sailors of Singapore, and one team from the playoff round. Nevertheless, Malaysian media still assess JDT as the top contender for the group's first place thanks to their extensive international experience and a squad heavily invested in over the years.

Meanwhile, Kuching City fell into Group A, which is considered more difficult. The Malaysian representative will have to compete with reigning champion Buriram United, Ratchaburi, Tampines Rovers, Borneo Samarinda, and the remaining playoff winner. NST believes this will be a great opportunity for Kuching City to prove their capability against experienced opponents and elevate the club's status on the Southeast Asian football map.

Alongside the draw results, Malaysian media also noted that the Shopee Cup continues to expand its scale. The 2026/27 season increases the number of participating teams from 12 to 14, while the number of matches is raised from 40 to 56. According to AFF President Khiev Sameth, the tournament is now not merely a club-level competition but has become a symbol of the growing development and ambition of Southeast Asian football.

With the participation of top regional teams such as Buriram United, JDT, Hanoi Police FC, and Lion City Sailors, the Shopee Cup 2026/27 is expected to deliver the most exciting race since the tournament was revamped. Malaysian media believe that JDT is capable of aiming for the championship, while Kuching City has an opportunity to create surprises if they make the most of key group-stage matches.