Indonesian National Team Builds Strong Foundation to Realize AFF Cup 2026 Championship Dream

The Indonesian national football team, known as Garuda, will commence their ASEAN Hyundai Cup journey against Cambodia on July 27, 2026, at the Pakansari Stadium in Bogor. This marks the beginning of their quest to end a 30-year drought without winning the prestigious regional tournament.

Goalkeeper Nadeo Argawinata expressed the squad's strong resolve to finally claim the title. "For 30 years Indonesia has participated in the AFF Cup, we have indeed never been champions. With the presence of Coach John Herdman now and all that he brings, our focus during the training camp in Bali is to build connections between players, between players and the coach, and with everyone within the team," Nadeo stated.

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For 30 years Indonesia has participated in the AFF Cup, we have indeed never been champions. With the presence of Coach John Herdman now and all that he brings, our focus during the training camp in Bali is to build connections between players, between players and the coach, and with everyone within the team.

The 2026 edition of the AFF Cup is particularly significant as it celebrates the tournament's 30th anniversary. Despite being recognized as a strong footballing nation in Southeast Asia, Indonesia has yet to lift the championship trophy. Nadeo highlighted that coach John Herdman is instilling the importance of building a solid team foundation before setting ambitious targets.

During their training camp in Bali, the players have been directed to strengthen their internal team relationships, viewing this as crucial preparation for the competition. This process is unfolding gradually, aligned with the coach's philosophy, emphasizing togetherness, communication, and mutual trust to foster a more cohesive on-field performance. "This foundation is indeed very important for our national team right now. If we talk about targets, of course, we want to be champions. After 30 years participating in the AFF Cup without a title, of course, we all want to bring home that trophy. We believe in the process that is currently underway, and hopefully, this dream can come true in this edition," Nadeo added.

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This foundation is indeed very important for our national team right now. If we talk about targets, of course, we want to be champions. After 30 years participating in the AFF Cup without a title, of course, we all want to bring home that trophy. We believe in the process that is currently underway, and hopefully, this dream can come true in this edition.