Indonesia Turn Focus to FIFA ASEAN Cup After AFF 2026 Disappointment

Indonesia's hopes of reaching the semifinals of the 2026 AFF Championship came to an end after a 1-1 draw against Singapore in their final Group A match at Jalan Besar Stadium. The result left the Garuda in third place and brought a disappointing end to their campaign, but head coach John Herdman believes the tournament still provided valuable lessons for the team.

Rather than dwelling on the early exit, Herdman has already shifted his attention toward the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, which will take place from September 21 to October 6. He sees the upcoming competition as a major opportunity for Indonesia to compete with a stronger squad, particularly with players based overseas expected to be available during the FIFA international window.

The AFF Championship also served as an important evaluation period for Herdman. The Canadian coach used the tournament to assess several young and new players while identifying individuals who could become part of Indonesia's long-term plans. Among those who impressed was 19-year-old forward Mitchell Baker, whose physical presence and ability on the pitch gave the coaching staff plenty of encouragement for the future.

Herdman also praised the commitment shown by Indonesia's more experienced players throughout the tournament. Although the senior members of the squad were unable to deliver the trophy they had hoped for, their determination and sacrifices were considered valuable to the team's development. At the same time, the experience gained by younger players should help them become more prepared for the demands of international football.

With the next major tournament already approaching, Indonesia are setting their sights much higher. The Garuda will compete in Division 1 of the FIFA ASEAN Cup, joining Group A alongside India, Malaysia and Singapore, while Vietnam, Pakistan, Thailand and the Philippines form Group B. After missing out on the AFF semifinals, Herdman now wants Indonesia to turn the disappointment into motivation and pursue their first major trophy under his leadership.