RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Garuda Baru team etched their name in history by clinching the Boys Shield title at the Street Child World Cup (SCWC) 2026 in Mexico City on Thursday night, May 14, local time.

The victory not only delivered Indonesia’s first championship in the tournament but also marked a breakthrough achievement that surpassed the nation’s previous best performance.

According to a release received in Jakarta on Friday, May 15, 2026, Indonesia secured the trophy after defeating Argentina in a dramatic penalty shootout, winning 3-2 following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

The final was fiercely contested from the opening whistle, played over two halves of eight minutes each, Antara reported.

Indonesia struck first through Raehan Alfarezi’s goal in the sixth minute of the opening half, before Argentina equalized late in the second half, forcing the match into penalties.

In the shootout, Raehan Alfarezi, Aryo Topan Artha Gading, and Deno Mazra Rasyid converted their spot-kicks with composure. Goalkeeper Samuel Steven Siagian emerged as the hero, saving Argentina’s final attempt to seal Indonesia’s championship glory.

Garuda Baru’s lineup in the final featured Samuel Steven Siagian in goal, with Deno Mazra Rasyid and Aryo Topan Artha Gading anchoring the defense. The midfield was marshaled by Danar Saputra, Dino Siswanto, and Izul Hamid, while Raehan Alfarezi spearheaded the attack. The bench was reinforced by Rizki Firmansyah, Javasha, and Mohamad Azriel Aliansyah.

This triumph represents a milestone for Indonesia, surpassing the team’s semifinal finish at SCWC Russia 2018. By lifting the Boys Shield trophy in 2026, Garuda Baru has set a new benchmark for Indonesian participation in the global event.

The team’s journey to Mexico City was supported by the Indonesian government, with the Ministry of Defense providing full backing for their participation.

Officials emphasized that involvement in SCWC is not merely about competition, but part of a broader mission to expand access to education, personal development, and character-building for children, paving the way toward a brighter future.

SCWC is an international football tournament and advocacy platform for street-connected children, combining sport, art, and global congress sessions to amplify their voices and rights.

It goes beyond football, aiming to promote access to education, identity, protection, and equality. It is a unique blend of sport and social advocacy, using football as a universal language to unite children from disadvantaged backgrounds and amplify their voices on the global stage. ***