FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026: Herdman Calls Indonesia vs Malaysia a Big Match

Indonesia National Team Head Coach John Herdman understands one key reality ahead of his side's second Group A fixture against Malaysia for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, hosted at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta on Monday 28 September. He has labelled this cross-border clash as a major fixture charged with long-standing rivalry atmosphere.

Both Indonesia and Malaysia enter this match off opening game victories. The Garuda Squad defeated Singapore 2-0, while Harimau Malaya launched their tournament run with a dominant 3-0 win against Bangladesh.

The massive public weight surrounding this fixture has already seeped into Herdman's daily routine. The British-born coach confirmed he has received constant messages emphasising the critical importance of beating Malaysia.

"Every single morning at breakfast, the same people will come up to me and repeat: 'Malaysia, Malaysia, you have to win this'," Herdman stated during the post-match press conference held at SUGBK.

Herdman is no stranger to high-intensity rivalry matches. Raised in Newcastle, he grew up around one of England's most infamous derby fixtures: Newcastle United vs Sunderland.

"As someone from Newcastle, we have that huge Tyne-Wear Derby against Sunderland. I can see clear as day, from every single person at the hotel where I am staying, just how much this match matters to everyone here," the 51-year-old coach remarked.

With this background, Herdman fully grasps the raw emotion that underpins this Indonesia vs Malaysia fixture. He also noted clear parallels with the North American rivalries he experienced while managing the Canadian national side.

"That is exactly why I understand this is an enormous game. Back when I was coaching Canada, our matches against the United States carried this exact same weight and energy," the former Canada manager added.

Even so, Herdman stressed that the heat of this rivalry must never erase respect for the opposition. Indonesia will show full sporting respect to Malaysia, while remaining fully committed to securing victory.

This match is predicted to be tightly contested, with both sides entering with soaring confidence. Indonesia hold home ground advantage with full supporter backing, while Malaysia have showcased sharp attacking form following their three-goal clean sheet win over Bangladesh.

Herdman confirmed his squad will take absolutely no half measures against Malaysia. He has instructed his players to maintain maximum intensity for the full duration of the match, and channel the home crowd's support as additional on-pitch energy.

"Whatever energy we give on that pitch, the supporters will match it right there with us. If we want to win this derby with this entire crowd behind us, we have to leave absolutely everything out there, just as we always do," he stated firmly.

This upcoming fixture at SUGBK will mark the first meeting between Indonesia and Malaysia in five years. The last clash between both nations took place at the 2020 AFF Cup in Singapore, on 19 December 2021.

On that occasion, an Indonesia side led by Shin Tae-yong secured a convincing 4-1 victory over Malaysia.

Half a decade later, the context is entirely different. Herdman now leads Indonesia in this brand new tournament, and with both sides having won their opening matches, this clash against Malaysia will carry critical implications for the Group A standings.