FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026: John Herdman is optimistic that the Indonesian National Team will win the championship.

The Indonesia National Team enters the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup with high targets. Head coach John Herdman has affirmed his confidence that the Garuda squad stands a chance to lift the trophy at this tournament featuring Southeast Asian national teams.

"I feel we are very optimistic. As a team, we believe in our capabilities," stated Herdman at Madya Stadium, Gelora Bung Karno Complex, Jakarta, on Tuesday.

Indonesia will host Division 1 of the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup and is drawn into Group A alongside Malaysia, Singapore, and Bangladesh. All Group A matches will be held at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta.

Meanwhile, Group B consists of Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Pakistan. Group B fixtures are scheduled to take place at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung Regency.

Under the tournament format, every group stage match carries significant weight. The winners of Group A and Group B will face off in the final match at SUGBK on 5 October, while the two group runners-up will compete for third place at the same venue.

Herdman assessed that Indonesia's chances of winning the title will heavily depend on the team's ability to maintain focus. The English coach urged his players not to get caught up trying to disprove outside doubts, and instead concentrate on upholding their own playing standards.

"We believe that if we focus on ourselves, focus on proving that we are right instead of wasting energy proving other people wrong, we can get the job done properly, because we have the talent," Herdman said.

For Herdman, the individual quality within Indonesia's national squad is a key asset. However, this potential must be translated into consistent performances across every match if Garuda is to advance all the way to the final match.

"So this is about us. Every match is a battle between us and our own standards, every single game. If we can uphold those standards, we have a very strong chance to lift the trophy," he added.

This confidence comes alongside the awareness that Indonesia's campaign will not be an easy one. Herdman noted that competition within Southeast Asia remains extremely tight, particularly as a number of participating teams have built up squad cohesion over a much longer period.

Indonesia is still in the process of forging a new identity under Herdman. The English coach has not yet completed a full year in charge of the Garuda squad, meaning building team chemistry and playing character remains a critical part of the journey towards the title.

"We know the ASEAN region is tough. It is very competitive. We come here with a lot of talent, but many other teams bring vast experience as established national squads. So the talent advantage we hold can be matched by opponents who have been playing together for three, four, even five years," he explained.

For this reason, Herdman has opted not to get ahead of himself thinking about the final match from the very start of the tournament. Indonesia's immediate focus is their Group A opening fixture against Singapore.

"That is why, for us, we are taking this one match at a time. We will focus on the game against Singapore and work to secure all three points," he stated.

For Indonesia, the path towards the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup trophy will begin with successfully navigating the Group A competition. With Malaysia, Singapore and Bangladesh all in the same group, every single point earned will be a vital part of Garuda's efforts to secure a spot in the final.