Indonesia will play Thailand at 8 p.m. on Monday, 5/10.

Indonesian football fans are among the most passionate in Southeast Asia, but they rarely celebrate titles with their national team. Two SEA Games gold medals in 1987 and 1991 are their most notable achievements, yet they have not lifted a major cup. The Indonesian national team has even been called the "king of runner-ups", losing all six Southeast Asian finals between 2000 and 2020.

Therefore, today's FIFA ASEAN Cup final against Thailand presents another opportunity for the archipelago nation to break new ground. "Indonesia has never lifted a trophy. We have the chance to be the first team to bring a title to this country," coach Herdman stated at a press conference on 4/10. "This is an opportunity many players in the squad have worked hard for and deserve."

Coach John Herdman of Indonesia gives instructions during their 9-2 victory over Bangladesh in the final Group A match of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, at Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia on the evening of 1/10. Photo: Duc Dong

Kevin Diks, who won the Danish Cup twice with Copenhagen, is now captaining Indonesia in this FIFA ASEAN Cup. He is trying to share his experience with his teammates.

"Anything can happen in a final, but if you focus completely, you are already halfway to success," the defender, born in 1996, added. "A match between two strong teams can be decided by a single moment. Do not get carried away; stay focused for 100 minutes, or even longer."

Indonesia currently holds a mental advantage. All 68,000 tickets for the final at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta have sold out. The current squad is eager to claim a title to assert their regional standing, despite reaching the fourth round of the Asian World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

Defender Kevin Diks of Indonesia celebrates scoring to make it 8-2 in their 9-2 victory over Bangladesh in the final Group A match of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, at Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia on the evening of 1/10. Photo: Duc Dong

Compared to their group stage exit in the previous ASEAN Cup, coach Herdman commands a stronger squad in this FIFA ASEAN Cup, having called up many quality players. However, in their first two matches, Indonesia only managed a 2-0 win against Singapore and a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Malaysia, where Thom Haye received a red card in the first half. Despite this, they gained significant morale by achieving an unexpected 9-2 victory over Bangladesh, snatching a spot in the final from Malaysia in Group A. Both teams finished with seven points and a +9 goal difference, but Indonesia scored more goals (11 compared to 9).

However, their opponent in the final is formidable. Thailand has long been considered the top football nation in Southeast Asia. While that status has occasionally wavered, the Thais have never lost their technical skill and cunning. Today's match at Bung Karno Stadium is seen as a clash between an established power and an emerging force, drawing strength from a group of mixed-heritage players competing in Europe.

Chanathip Songkrasin recognizes the significant progress made by Southeast Asian teams, especially Indonesia, with many players competing in high-level leagues. He praised the opponents' excellent physical condition and individual skill. However, this only excites the midfielder, dubbed the "Thai Messi", even more.

"We want to make history, with belief and desire. If we win, we will gain confidence for a rematch against them in the Asian Cup 2027 group stage," Chanathip stated. "Victory will create positive momentum for our fans, coaches, and former players, who always want to see us realize our full potential."

English coach Anthony Hudson and captain Chanathip Songkrasin of Thailand at a press conference at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia on 4/10, before their match against Indonesia in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 final. Photo: ThailandNT

Chanathip and his teammates reached the final a match early, after defeating Pakistan 4-0 and Vietnam 2-0. Their 1-2 loss to the Philippines in the final group stage match was an acceptable risk, as coach Anthony Hudson prioritized squad rotation to give all players a chance, while resting key players for the final.

Thailand enters the final with excellent physical condition and high spirits, having avenged their loss to Vietnam. Coach Hudson commented: "That was an immense challenge that we overcame. They are title contenders and an opponent we had not been able to defeat for the past two years."

Historically, Thailand has recorded 37 wins, 25 losses, and 16 draws against Indonesia. However, they have won all previous Southeast Asian finals against Indonesia in 2000, 2002, 2016, and 2020.