Indonesian National Team Ready to Face Thailand in the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup Final

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesian coach John Herdman stated that the Indonesian National Team is ready to face Thailand in the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup Final, set to take place at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. Jakarta time. During a press conference in Jakarta on Sunday, October 4, 2026, Herdman noted that the team continues to show positive progress despite having very limited time for group training.

He emphasized that the players are now beginning to understand the timing, movement, rhythm, and playing styles of their teammates. This growth has been clearly visible throughout the tournament, where the team’s ability to keep a clean sheet or score multiple goals demonstrates that anything is possible.

Herdman said, “They have grown through the tournament. When this group commits their mind to keep a clean sheet or to go get more goals, nine goals to qualify, anything is possible. So that's the exciting thing.”

Facing Thailand in the final, Herdman described the opponent as a tough team that knows how to capitalize on various situations on the field. Thailand can play a direct style or control the ball in the attacking third to wear down their opponents, so the Garuda squad must be ready to adapt.

“What I've seen from Thailand, they can be very attritional. They can be direct when they want to be. They can possess the ball as well in front of your line just to try and wear you out. So we have to be ready to adapt,” he explained.

Herdman emphasized that success in the final would not be about playing beautiful football, but about making the most of every moment and opportunity. He stressed that maintaining full focus from the opening whistle until the final whistle, along with confidence in the team’s quality, are the primary points he has emphasized to the players.

He stated, “At the end of the day, you've just got to win the final. It's not about playing beautiful football. It's about the moments, taking the moments, capitalizing on the opportunities that are presented, and being present, whistle to whistle, just not playing by occasion, just knowing that we get our jobs done, we've got quality, we can get there.”