The Indonesian national team will enter the opening match of Group A of ASEAN Cup 2026 against Cambodia at 8:30 PM on July 27th at Pakansari Stadium (Bogor). Before this match, coach John Herdman said that the whole team has not thought about the next matches but focuses on winning favorable results on the opening day.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the British strategist emphasized Indonesia's immediate goal is to promote what has been prepared instead of under pressure from championship expectations.
The most important thing at this time is that we must focus on ourselves. We must believe in the steps we have taken," Mr. Herdman said.
Besides, goalkeeper Nadeo Argawinata affirmed that Indonesia aims to conquer the ASEAN Cup championship after many missed opportunities.
We definitely want to be champions. After many years of participating in the tournament, the whole team believes that Indonesia can win the championship this time," Nadeo shared.
Although rated higher than Cambodia, coach Herdman still has respect for the opponent. He believes that Cambodia has made significant progress and having played a match at the tournament will help this team have a certain advantage in competitive feeling.
We watched Cambodia play. They are an organized, disciplined team and it is very difficult to face. Cambodia also had a match at the tournament, so they will be more ready when they meet us," Mr. Herdman said.
The British coach said that Indonesia will aim to build cohesion in the playing style, maintain tactical identity and team spirit.
Indonesia is in Group A with Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore and Timor-Leste. However, Mr. Herdman affirmed that the whole team has not thought about facing Vietnam in the next match.
However, this strategist said he watched the 7-0 victory of coach Kim Sang-sik's team against Timor-Leste in the opening match. Previously, Mr. Herdman also assessed Vietnam and Thailand as the top two candidates for the ASEAN Cup 2026 championship.
According to Indonesian media, the archipelago team has just returned to Jakarta after the final preparation phase. However, midfielder Marselino Ferdinan's ability to play is still open when this player is recorded to have to move on crutches after returning, while center-back Justin Hubner is likely not to be able to join the team because he is still busy with Fortuna Sittard club preparing for the new season.
Indonesia is considered a candidate to compete for the top spot in Group A with the Vietnamese team. Therefore, the result of the match against Cambodia will be of great significance for coach John Herdman's team in the race to win a ticket to the semi-finals of the ASEAN Cup 2026.
