John Herdman Makes History, Leads the Indonesia National Football Team to Become Champions of the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup.

John Herdman has finally completed his first mission with Indonesia National Football Team by lifting a trophy. The English head coach expressed his pride after leading the Garuda Squad to win the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, while also marking new history for Indonesian Football.

Indonesia secured the championship title after defeating Thailand 4-2 on penalties in the final match held at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta, on Monday. The penalty shootout decided the outcome after both sides failed to gain a winning advantage over regular match time.

For Herdman, this trophy is the culmination of the Indonesia National Team's entire journey throughout the tournament. He stated that this success does not only belong to the players on the pitch, but also marks an important moment for the entire Indonesian nation.

"This is a proud moment for Indonesia. This is the first trophy in our history," stated John Herdman during the post-match press conference at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta, on Monday.

Herdman acknowledged that the final against Thailand was an extremely tough match. Such high-stakes scenarios are standard for title deciders, as pressure and the demand for victory are at their absolute peak.

Even so, these difficulties did not diminish his pride for his squad. He emphasised that every single member of the team had contributed to deliver Indonesia's main target for this tournament.

"That was our mission. No matter how long it took, the only thing that mattered was lifting this trophy for all of you, for this country, and making you proud," he said.

The 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup trophy is the tangible result of the target set to bring the Garuda squad to achieve honours at the Southeast Asia level.

The road to the title was far from easy. Indonesia had to navigate fierce competition during the group stage before progressing to the final, where they once again faced Thailand in the deciding match.

This penalty shootout victory cemented Indonesia's name as the first ever champions of the FIFA ASEAN Cup. This title also gives Herdman a perfect start as he works to build the squad's foundation for future targets.

Herdman paid special tribute to Indonesia's supporters. He noted that the support from the stands of SUGBK had been a critical part of the team's journey from their very first match right through to the final.

"Thank you to everyone who came out tonight and stood behind us," he concluded.

Thousands of cheering fans accompanied the championship celebrations inside SUGBK. After 35 long years waiting for a senior level international trophy, Indonesia have finally achieved it alongside Herdman.