FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026: John Herdman Targets the Trophy, Maarten Paes Wants to Win the Championship at SUGBK

Coach John Herdman views the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 as a critical opportunity for the Garuda squad to claim a title in front of their home supporters. This same sentiment was echoed by Indonesia National Team goalkeeper Maarten Paes, who aims to lift the trophy before the Indonesian public.
 
The FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 will be held from 25 September to 5 October. Indonesia holds home advantage as the host nation, with all Group A matches staged at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) in Jakarta. All Group B fixtures will meanwhile take place at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung.

"This is a huge opportunity for Indonesia to compete on their own ground. For the first time in this tournament, we have a real chance to lift the trophy," stated John Herdman during a pre-match press conference in Jakarta, Thursday.

Indonesia is placed in Group A alongside Singapore, Malaysia and Bangladesh. Singapore will be their first opponent at SUGBK on 25 September, before Indonesia faces Malaysia on 28 September and Bangladesh on 1 October.

For Herdman, the opening match against Singapore is far more than just the first group stage fixture. This duel serves as the first chance for the Garuda players to regroup after fulfilling duties with their respective club teams.

Most players have returned to the squad after nearly two months since their last appearance at the 2026 AFF Cup. Meanwhile, several new players will experience Herdman's system and coaching approach for the very first time.

Herdman sees this situation as positive momentum to rebuild team unity within the squad. The intensity of training sessions also reflects the high enthusiasm among players ahead of the tournament.

"The energy is extremely high, training intensity is operating at peak level," he stated.

The English head coach hopes this positive energy will carry over into the opening match. Full support from spectators at SUGBK will be an important element of the atmosphere for Indonesia's opening fixture.

Indonesia National Team captain Kevin Diks has also felt the shift in energy within the squad. The Borussia Mönchengladbach player noted that this tournament brings both great responsibility and big ambition.

"Tomorrow is the first match, and we will stay focused progressing one game at a time," he stated.

Maarten Paes Aims To Lift The FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 Trophy

The same target is shared by Maarten Paes. The Indonesian national goalkeeper is not only aiming to pass the group stage, but to lift the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 trophy in front of the Indonesian public.

"For me, the goal is to win this trophy. I really want to lift it in front of our supporters, and repay all the backing they have given us over the last few years," Paes said via the official FIFA website.

For Paes, winning the tournament will also provide positive psychological foundation ahead of Indonesia's participation in the 2027 Asian Cup.

For this reason, the FIFA ASEAN Cup campaign is not viewed only as a title hunt, but also as part of preparations for the upcoming major agenda.

"The first goal is to win the trophy here, and build a positive mindset heading into the Asian Cup," Paes stated.

The targets set by Herdman and Paes will face their first test when Indonesia meets Singapore at SUGBK. This opening match will be Garuda's first step on the path towards the trophy, as well as an opportunity to build positive momentum in front of their own supporters.