The National Stadium Bukit Jalil, the iconic home of Malaysian football, is set to close its doors from June to September 2026. This temporary closure is necessary to facilitate extensive track replacement works, ensuring the facility remains a world-class venue for both athletics and international football matches in the future. 

As a result of these works, Harimau Malaya will have to seek a temporary home for any scheduled international fixtures during this four-month window. The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is currently evaluating alternative venues, with Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman in Paroi and the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras being the top candidates to host upcoming matches. 

This closure may impact the scheduling and atmosphere of high-profile games, as these alternative venues have smaller seating capacities compared to Bukit Jalil. However, officials emphasize that the track upgrade is a vital investment to maintain the stadium’s prestige and ensure the safety and performance of athletes across multiple disciplines.