Johor Darul Ta’zim FC vs. Chelsea, Friendly: Preview, team news, how to watch

Johor Darul Ta’zim FC will take on Premier League side Chelsea in a friendly match on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at 8pm local time (13.00 BST; 8am EDT). The game will be played at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri, Malaysia, a new stadium that opened six years ago. The weather forecast predicts hot conditions with a chance of thunderstorms.

Johor Darul Ta’zim, the defending champions of the Malaysia Super League, have won twelve consecutive titles and are currently managed by Xisco Muñoz. Their squad consists of local talent and a few imports from the Spanish lower leagues. New signing Juan Diego Molina Martínez, nicknamed Stoichkov, is expected to join the team.

Meanwhile, Chelsea has been on a busy preseason tour, playing against AC Milan just 24 hours before facing Johor Darul Ta’zim. The team's manager, Xabi Alonso, treated the Milan friendly like a competitive game, making only a few changes throughout the match. Most players, including stars like Roméo Lavia, had the full 90 minutes.

Alonso expressed confidence in the squad, stating that they will improve and be ready for the start of the Premier League season. This will be the fifth friendly of Chelsea's preseason, with one more game at home against Real Sociedad.