Indonesia focuses on physical conditioning for 2026 AFF Championship

The Indonesian national football team is entering a crucial phase of preparation for the 2026 ASEAN Championship, also known as the Hyundai Cup.

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We want to build the physical capacity of the players.

Training is currently underway at the Bali United Training Center in Gianyar, where head coach John Herdman is focusing on enhancing the players' physical condition before moving on to tactical drills and refining finishing. "We want to build the physical capacity of the players," Herdman stated, noting that most players are joining the national team shortly after completing their domestic league commitments.

Herdman has divided the initial squad of 50 players into two groups for training. During sessions observed by the media, 22 players engaged in rigorous physical exercises on the field. The coaching staff will subsequently evaluate these players to finalize the squad for the tournament. "We will then conduct an assessment for this group and finalize the player list," Herdman explained.

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We will then conduct an assessment for this group and finalize the player list.

Beyond physical conditioning, the team is also participating in internal matches to assess player chemistry, game consistency, and endurance. "We are focusing on finishing, attacking areas, and preparing the players mentally," Herdman added. Indonesian defender Rizky Ridho confirmed that the training is yielding positive results, with players gradually adapting to the coaches' instructions in both physical training and ball possession drills. Ridho also expressed comfort training in Bali, having done so previously for the last AFF Cup.

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We are focusing on finishing, attacking areas, and preparing the players mentally.

Looking ahead, Herdman has identified Vietnam as the primary challenge in Group A, citing their early preparation and coaching continuity. "They have been together for a long time, have a coach who has been there for a long time. They know how to win," he remarked. Despite this, Herdman conveyed confidence in his team's ability to compete and expressed a desire to face Malaysia as well. Ridho echoed the sentiment that Group A will be competitive but remains optimistic about the Garuda squad's performance.

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I am very happy when the training camp is in Bali because I have experienced it before, the last AFF Cup was also (training) here.