Indonesian media: 'It's time for Indonesia's national team to win the 2026 AFF Cup'

Indonesian media consider the 2026 AFF Cup as the perfect opportunity for their national team to secure the title.

The year 2025 ended with disappointing results for Indonesian men's football. The national team failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals, the U23 team suffered repeated defeats in the Southeast Asian Championship, Asian U23 qualifiers, and was recently eliminated early in the 33rd SEA Games...

According to the Indonesian press, in 2026, Indonesian football must "restructure the achievement map of the national team" with the main focus on winning the 2026 AFF Cup.

'It's time for Indonesia's national team to win the AFF Cup,' CNN Indonesia opened their article with this statement. Below the article, they emphasized: 'Among many events, the one that captures Indonesian football fans' attention the most is the 2026 Southeast Asian Football Championship (AFF Cup).'

This event will take place in July, after the 2026 World Cup. For the first time since its establishment in 1996, this ASEAN regional tournament will be held mid-year. This means there will be no conflicts between clubs and PSSI regarding player call-ups. Since the AFF Cup is scheduled during the off-season, all the best players have the chance to be selected.

This also applies to players competing abroad. Previously, PSSI struggled to call up players outside FIFA match windows, but this year they seem more flexible. Therefore, there is still hope that Indonesia's national team will win the AFF Cup for the first time,' CNN Indonesia concluded.

Also, according to the Indonesian press, the Football Association of Indonesia must focus on the major goal at the AFF Cup instead of undervaluing regional achievements: 'This is no longer the time to boast that the AFF Cup is beneath Indonesia’s level. It’s just a cup competition. Since no other major events are scheduled throughout 2026 except FIFA Matchdays, the 2026 AFF Cup carries significant appeal. This marks a fresh start to rebuild the achievements of Indonesia’s national team,' the article commented.

At the 2024 AFF Cup, the Indonesian team, led by coach Shin Tae Yong, was eliminated early in the group stage. Because of this result, PSSI decided to dismiss the Korean coach.