JOHOR BARU: Johor will be under the global spotlight when it hosts the inaugural Influencers World Cup 2025, a football tournament featuring top digital creators and social media personalities from around the world.
State youth, sports, entrepreneur development and cooperatives committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah said the event, scheduled from tomorrow until Sunday at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, is set to position Johor as a hub for international sports and creative culture.
Mohd Hairi said the state government deeply appreciates the leadership and support of Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, whose vision has elevated Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) into a powerhouse of Malaysian and Asian football.
“Tunku Ismail’s continued commitment has not only placed JDT in a class of its own but also made Johor a source of pride for the nation.
“Hosting the Influencers World Cup is another milestone that reflects this progress,” he said yesterday.
Mohd Hairi added that the tournament will unite influencers, digital content creators and well-known personalities from across the globe, offering more than just a football competition.
“This event is also a platform to showcase Johor as a destination for world-class sporting events, youth engagement and creative expression.”
Eight teams from around the world will take part in the competition, including Argentina, Spain, England, Mexico, France, Colombia, Chile and the host nation Malaysia.
Mohd Hairi, who is also the Larkin assemblyman, added that the tournament fits in perfectly with the Johor Sport Nation 2030 agenda.
“The Influencers World Cup reflects how sports can merge with creativity and digital engagement to inspire a younger generation while boosting Johor’s reputation on the international stage.
“The Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, which stands as a symbol of Johor’s pride, is expected to welcome thousands of visitors from both inside and outside Malaysia throughout the tournament.
“This will not only attract football fans but also digital communities, investors, creative industry players and lifestyle enthusiasts.”
Mohd Hairi added that the state government is confident that the event will help elevate Johor as a host for international events, stimulate the local economy, particularly the tourism, hotel and retail sectors, and build stronger global networks with the international creative community.
