John Herdman Targets Historic First Trophy with Indonesia at FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026

Indonesia are preparing to make their mark at the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, with head coach John Herdman setting his sights on the title. The tournament will take place in Jakarta and Bandung from September 24 to October 5, giving the national team the chance to compete for a major trophy on home soil. With the competition being held for the first time, Indonesia have a unique opportunity to become the inaugural champions.

For Herdman, the tournament represents an important milestone early in his tenure with Indonesia, which began in 2026. The English coach is eager to turn the home advantage into success and deliver his first piece of silverware with the national team. Winning the competition would also allow Indonesia to celebrate a historic achievement alongside their supporters at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, adding extra significance to the campaign.

The ambition fits closely with the broader vision of the Indonesian Football Association and chairman Erick Thohir. Herdman has embraced the high expectations surrounding the national team, with Indonesia targeting greater achievements on the international stage in the coming years. A strong run in the FIFA ASEAN Cup would provide an early indication of the team's progress while giving Herdman an opportunity to establish a winning culture within the squad.

The Premier Division features eight teams divided into two groups. Indonesia are placed in Group A alongside Bangladesh, Malaysia and Singapore, with all of their group matches scheduled to take place at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta. Group B consists of Vietnam, Pakistan, Thailand and the Philippines, with their matches being staged at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung. Unlike a traditional tournament format, there will be no semifinals, with the two group winners advancing directly to the final.

The wider FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 features 14 nations, including 11 AFF members and three invited teams from Asia: Bangladesh, Pakistan and Hong Kong-China. The competition is split between the Premier Division and Challenge Division, with the latter taking place in Hong Kong-China and featuring Hong Kong-China, Laos, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Myanmar and Timor-Leste. For Indonesia, however, the immediate focus is firmly on the Premier Division and the opportunity to lift the inaugural trophy in front of their home supporters.