Indonesia sends a challenge signal to Vietnam and Thailand at the AFF Cup 2026

Throughout its history, the Indonesian national team has never won the AFF Cup. This is quite paradoxical, as recently the team nicknamed Garuda has demonstrated strong competitiveness in the Asian arena.

Indonesia has participated in this tournament since the AFF Cup began in 1996, appearing a total of 15 times. However, their best achievement so far remains as runners-up. The Indonesian team has finished second place six times, the most among participating teams, in the years 2000, 2002, 2004, 2010, 2016, and 2020.

According to the Bola, the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) still seems to regret the journey of the Indonesian team in this biennial tournament and aims to win the AFF Cup 2026.

The AFF Cup 2026 will take place from July 24 to August 26, 2025, featuring 10 teams divided into two groups. In the group stage, each team will play home and away matches. Currently, PSSI is finalizing the selection of a new head coach for the Indonesian team to replace Patrick Kluivert. The most mentioned candidate is John Herdman, an English-born coach who was the head architect of Canada’s team at the 2022 World Cup.

PSSI Executive Committee member, Mr. Arya Sinulingga, stated that the new coach of the Indonesian team will be tasked with bringing home the AFF Cup 2026 title. Mr. Arya shared, quoting from the YouTube channel Liputan6: “I think it is necessary. Winning is essential. We want to elevate ourselves to a national team level, to a higher class, and first, we must succeed regionally. Therefore, winning is a must.”

Mr. Arya also expressed his hope that Indonesian players currently playing abroad can join the national team at the AFF Cup 2026, since the tournament will be held before the new European season starts. Mr. Arya added: “Yes, we hope that can happen.”

In the near future, the AFF Cup 2026 group stage draw will take place, expected to be held in Jakarta on January 15, 2026.