TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia national team head coach John Herdman expressed great optimism that his team would win the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup international tournament.
"I think we are very optimistic. As a team, we are confident in our abilities," Herdman said when speaking to the media at the Madya Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
For the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, Indonesia—serving as the host for Division 1—has been drawn into Group A alongside Malaysia, Singapore, and Bangladesh. All matches for this group will be held at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) in Jakarta.
In addition to Group A, Division 1 features Group B, comprising Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Pakistan. Matches for Group B will be played at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung Regency.
The winners of Group A and Group B will face off in the final match, scheduled for October 5 at SUGBK. At the same venue, the runners-up from Group A and Group B will play the third-place play-off.
"We believe that if we focus on ourselves and on proving ourselves right—rather than being busy trying to prove others wrong—we can get the job done well, because the talent is there," Herdman said.
"So, it’s about us. Every match is a battle against our own standards. If we can maintain those standards, we have a very strong chance of lifting the trophy," he added.
Despite his optimism, Herdman acknowledges that competition in Southeast Asia is tough. He noted that several participating teams have the advantage of having played together as a unit for several years.
The Indonesian national team lacks this advantage, as the current squad is still in the process of building a new identity under Herdman, who has been at the helm of the *Garuda* squad for less than a year. "We know the ASEAN region is tough. It is highly competitive. We arrive with plenty of talent, but many other teams bring a wealth of experience as solid national squads. So, the talent we possess can be matched by opponents who have played together for three, four, or even five years," said the English coach.
"That is why we are taking it one match at a time. We will focus on the game against Singapore and aim to secure three points," he said.
Read: John Herdman Vows to Revamp Indonesia Squad After AFF Cup Exit
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