Erick: Southeast Asian Football Becoming Competitive

RRI.CO.ID, Bandung - Chairman of the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) Erick Thohir said football competition in Southeast Asia is becoming increasingly competitive. The improvement in team quality, including through the recruitment of naturalized players and players from various countries, has narrowed the gap in strength among teams competing in the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup.

According to Erick, these developments have made every match in FIFA’s inaugural tournament in Southeast Asia highly competitive. Matches involving teams such as Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and other ASEAN countries are becoming increasingly difficult to predict.

“Football quality in Southeast Asia continues to improve. Every team now has increasingly solid strength and player combinations,” Erick said in a statement after watching a match at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung, Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

Erick cited Malaysia as an example, noting that the team has a squad consisting of players from various countries and has been able to play cohesively. He said strengthening squads through naturalized players and those with international experience has encouraged ASEAN countries to become more competitive.

“Therefore, every match is very important. Teams that want to advance must fight from the first match and must not underestimate any opponent,” he said.

Erick said Indonesia’s chances in the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup remain open. However, he stressed that those chances must be supported by hard work, consistency, and full focus in every match, including against teams considered weaker on paper.

“Bangladesh must not be underestimated either. Indonesia must continue to fight and play with full focus,” he said.

He also praised the fighting spirit shown by the Indonesian squad in its previous match. Despite playing with 10 players, the Garuda squad continued to fight until the end of the match, which he said was an important asset in facing increasingly tight competition in Southeast Asian football.

“There is still a chance, but everything carries risks. There are no easy paths. The players must continue to fight and give their best,” Erick explained