Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) President Erick Thohir has publicly declared an ambitious goal for the national team: to secure victory in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup in 2026. Thohir’s optimism stems from the expectation that the timing of the tournament, coinciding with FIFA International Match Calendar dates, will ensure the availability of Indonesia’s best players, including those plying their trade with top clubs abroad.
This strategic outlook was shared following a pivotal meeting chaired by Thohir on August 10. The assembly focused on the operational aspects of hosting the FIFA ASEAN Cup, designated as a Level 1 (Division 1) event. The discussions, held at the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Indonesia, saw broad participation, including representatives from key governmental bodies such as the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Human Resources, the West Java Government, and the Indonesian National Police. Also present were PSSI members and officials from the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium Management Center (PPKGBK), underscoring the collaborative effort required for the tournament’s success.
During the meeting, President Thohir reiterated his unwavering support for Canadian coach John Herdman, entrusting him with the significant task of guiding the Indonesian national team to championship glory. The FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, a newly established and officially recognized competition by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), is scheduled to run from September 21 to October 6. Crucially, these dates fall within the designated FIFA Days, a period during which clubs are obliged to release their international players for national team duties.
Thohir emphasized the strategic advantage of this scheduling. “The FIFA ASEAN Cup will be held during September and October, a schedule that will ensure all our best players are able to participate,” Thohir stated during the meeting. The PSSI President expressed strong confidence that having access to the nation’s most capable footballers will significantly enhance Indonesia’s prospects of achieving a strong performance and potentially winning the event.
The Indonesian billionaire further articulated PSSI’s aspirations. “Naturally, PSSI hopes that our nation can achieve one of the best possible results from the national team,” he remarked. However, Thohir also acknowledged the inherent uncertainties in football, particularly unforeseen factors such as player injuries. He stressed the importance of considering such potential issues and proactively planning contingency measures to mitigate their impact. With the FIFA ASEAN Cup serving as a significant regional showcase, Indonesia is placing considerable hope on coach John Herdman to steer the team towards its ambitious target of becoming a leading footballing power in Southeast Asia.
