FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026: John Herdman Asks Indonesia's National Team to Score Plenty of Goals Against Bangladesh.

Indonesia national team head coach John Herdman does not view the one-goal difference with Malaysia as pressure, but rather as a challenge for the Garuda Squad. He wants his side to play far more aggressively against Bangladesh to clear a path to the top of Group A standings for the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup.

Indonesia will play their third Group A fixture against Bangladesh at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) in Jakarta on Thursday, 1 October 2026, kicking off at 19.30 WIB.

The Garuda squad currently sits in second place on four points. Indonesia are level on points with Malaysia, but trail their regional rivals by a single goal on goal difference.

Malaysia will contest their own third group match against Singapore. Given this situation, securing victory by as wide a margin as possible is one of Indonesia's key targets when they face Bangladesh.

Herdman has instructed his players to enter this match with an attacking mentality, rather than only focusing on keeping a clean sheet.

"For me, that one goal gap with Malaysia is what makes this interesting. I mean, what would you rather go into a game thinking about: scoring goals, or not conceding?" John Herdman stated during a training session ahead of the Bangladesh match at PTIK Stadium, Jakarta on Wednesday.

For Herdman, this fixture against Bangladesh represents a critical moment, as Indonesia hold full control over their own chances of reaching the tournament's final stages.

"We know exactly what we need to do. Our fate is in our own hands," he said.

Herdman wants the pressure to score as many goals as possible to be embraced as part of the atmosphere inside Indonesia's dressing room. He argues this mindset aligns with the fundamental purpose of football, while also providing his players with extra motivation.

"I want to be in a dressing room where the team is expected to go out and score the most goals. That is what this game is at its core, and that is what the players love most about playing," he explained.

This focus on attacking football does not mean Herdman is neglecting defensive discipline. He referenced the previous match against Malaysia, where Indonesia played down to 10 men yet still maintained full concentration to hold on for a 0-0 draw.

That performance has become a key foundation heading into the Bangladesh clash. Herdman is looking for the same high intensity and focus shown against Malaysia to now be carried over into the team's attacking play.

If they can do that, Herdman is confident the individual quality within Indonesia's squad is more than sufficient to convert chances into goals. Ole Romeny and his teammates are expected to maintain full concentration from kickoff right through until the final whistle.

"If they bring that same intensity and focus into the final third and in front of goal, we have more than enough quality and talent to get this job done," he said.

This match against Bangladesh is about far more than just three points for Indonesia. Every goal scored could prove decisive in the tight race against Malaysia, giving the Garuda squad every reason to push for more goals right up until the final whistle.