PSSI is optimistic that the Indonesian National Team will win the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, here are the reasons.

Jakarta - PSSI has set ambitious targets for the Indonesian National Team for the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup. The Garuda squad is expected to lift the trophy at this tournament, which will be hosted in Indonesia from 24 September to 4 October later this year.

PSSI Secretary General Yunus Nusi confirmed that winning the championship is Indonesia's primary target. This optimism stems from the fact that the FIFA ASEAN Cup is listed on the official FIFA international calendar, meaning players competing overseas will be eligible to represent the national side.

"Yes, of course we are targeting the title," stated Yunus when met following the 2026 Annual and Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders (RUPS) held in Jakarta.

According to Yunus, the tournament's status as an official FIFA fixture gives Indonesia a distinct advantage. Players active in foreign leagues, including Jay Idzes and Kevin Diks, will be available to join the Indonesian National Team.

"Since we will be able to call up nearly all our eligible players, we are hopeful this squad can deliver strong performances," he added.

Indonesia Will Have The Opportunity To Field Its Full Strength Squad

The 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup provides Indonesia with the chance to field its most complete available roster. Unlike tournaments held outside the FIFA calendar, professional clubs are legally obligated to release players for national team duty for official FIFA scheduled events.

Indonesia is placed in Main Division Group A alongside Malaysia, Singapore, and Bangladesh, who replaced India in the final draw.

Meanwhile Group B consists of Vietnam, Pakistan, Thailand and the Philippines.

With this group composition, the path to the championship is not expected to be straightforward. Vietnam and Thailand remain the established leading powers in Southeast Asian football, while Indonesia also shares a long-standing, intense competitive rivalry with Malaysia.

GBK and Si Jalak Harupat Confirmed As Host Venues

As host nation, Indonesia has prepared two stadiums for the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup.

Matches will be staged at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (GBK) Jakarta and Si Jalak Harupat Stadium Bandung.

Host status brings additional advantage for the Garuda squad, most notably the home support from Indonesian supporters.

PSSI expects the atmosphere of playing in front of their home crowd will drive the team to perform at maximum capacity right from the group stage.

Yunus expressed hope that this home advantage will ultimately lead the squad to lift the tournament trophy.

PSSI Aims For FIFA ASEAN Cup As Redemption

This championship target also follows the disappointment of Indonesia once again failing to progress to the semi-finals of the 2026 AFF Cup.

This marks the second consecutive early exit for Indonesia, after the squad was also eliminated before the semi-final stage at the 2024 edition under then head coach Shin Tae-yong.

For this reason, a successful run at the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup is intended to serve as both a turning point and redemption for Indonesian football.

PSSI has called on head coach John Herdman to immediately implement improvements following the disappointing AFF Cup result. Thorough preparation is deemed critical, as the target is not simply to advance past the group stage, but to win the entire tournament.

"The Chairman has already held discussions with the coach. Moving forward, the coach will place extra priority on properly preparing the squad specifically for the FIFA ASEAN Cup. We all hope the national team will give their absolute best for Indonesian football during this tournament," Yunus stated.

Now the task for Herdman and his players is to convert this optimism into results on the pitch, starting from the group phase all the way through to the final match.