Six times runners-up in the AFF Cup, Indonesia's coach speaks honestly about being in the same group as Vietnam

Before the 2026 AFF Cup, coach John Herdman straightforwardly acknowledges that Indonesia is not the number one contender, stressing the need to move beyond the legacy of six times finishing second.

As the ASEAN Cup (AFF Cup) 2026 approaches, scheduled from July 24 to August 26, Indonesia’s head coach John Herdman draws attention by admitting his team is not currently the top favorite. Speaking to CNN Indonesia, the English coach recognizes the reality that Indonesian football still has a long way to go to reach the regional summit.

“We are the underdogs, but that is what fuels our motivation. The entire team shares a common ambition: to bring Indonesia to milestones they have never reached before,” Herdman emphasized. This statement shows Indonesia’s humble approach, positioning themselves as challengers rather than bearing the pressure of being champions.

According to CNN Indonesia, the national team has finished as runners-up six times since the tournament began in 1996 but has never won the title. The record of most second-place finishes in the competition’s history reflects both their potential and the limits Indonesia has yet to overcome at crucial moments.

In this context, Coach Herdman admits Indonesia still ranks behind traditionally strong and experienced teams like Vietnam and Thailand. These teams frequently reach the finals and possess proven resilience through many intense AFF Cup tournaments.

Beyond regional goals, the English strategist also outlines long-term ambitions for Indonesian football. “Turning the dream of an entire nation into reality is something truly special. Such ambitions cannot be bought with money,” he shared when speaking about the 2027 Asian Cup and the dream of the 2030 World Cup.

Herdman also predicts the 2026 AFF Cup will be fiercely competitive, similar to fiery derbies in Europe. According to him, the rivalry among top Southeast Asian teams always creates special emotions for players and fans alike, while serving as a stage to assert regional dominance.

Indonesia is grouped with Vietnam—the reigning champion—alongside Singapore, Cambodia, and the play-off winner. Herdman’s early admission of being the “underdog” might be a psychological tactic but also clearly reflects reality: to overthrow the established powers, Indonesia must first overcome its own shadow.