AFF Cup Not a Minor Tournament, Time for Indonesia to Make History

Indonesia's national football team has never won the AFF Cup, a fact that PSSI official Sumardji believes makes the tournament a crucial target. He dismissed suggestions that the competition, now known as the ASEAN Hyundai Cup, is insignificant. Instead, he highlighted its status as Southeast Asia's most prestigious football event.

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I don't agree. Why? Because until now, since we became independent until now, our national team has not been able to get a championship trophy.

"I don't agree. Why? Because until now, since we became independent until now, our national team has not been able to get a championship trophy," Sumardji stated at an event in South Jakarta. Indonesia has a long history in the AFF Cup, participating in every edition since its inception in 1996 and reaching the final six times, but has consistently fallen short of winning.

Sumardji sees the 2026 edition as the perfect moment for Indonesia to break this streak, especially with the team entering a new era under coach John Herdman. The team has shown positive development, securing three wins in four matches, scoring eight goals, and conceding only once from a penalty in a loss to Bulgaria. "The momentum is right, why don't we take advantage of it and prove that we are capable of achieving it? And this is part of making history," he said.

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The momentum is right, why don't we take advantage of it and prove that we are capable of achieving it? And this is part of making history.

The PSSI official is also confident in the squad's strength, which will include top players from the domestic Super League and several diaspora players. Indonesia is grouped with Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, and Timor-Leste in the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026. Their initial matches will be held at Pakansari Stadium in Bogor, with hopes that a successful campaign will finally bring the AFF Cup title to Indonesia.

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The second is supported by players who can be said to be in our super league or in our league, there are many diaspora players who are currently here.