ASEAN Cup 2026: A Formidable Unknown

According to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Jakarta, it is noteworthy that the ASEAN Cup 2026 is not held during the FIFA Days, preventing many Indonesian players who play for European clubs from returning to the squad. However, the remaining lineup under coach John Herdman still showed superiority in speed, intensity, and organization.

Indonesia no longer relies on a few individuals as before. The team has a deep roster, with many players developed in European football environments, making their playing style more flexible and competitive.

While Mitchell Baker attracted all the attention with a hat-trick in his national team debut, it was Thom Haye who served as the "brain" operating the entire system. The 31-year-old midfielder did not score but directly provided three assists, controlled the tempo of the match, and was the starting point of most dangerous attacks.

In the 5th minute, Haye delivered a precise free kick for Baker to leap and head the opening goal. Less than 20 minutes later, from a corner, he again set up Sandy Walsh to double the lead. After the break, another accurate lofted pass from Haye helped Baker complete his hat-trick in his ASEAN Cup debut.

Not only possessing passing ability and playmaking, Haye also repeatedly troubled the Cambodian defense with dangerous long-range shots. His presence allowed Indonesia to almost completely control the midfield, maintaining pressure even after Cambodia pulled one back early in the second half.

Haye's performance also reflects the quality of resources Indonesia possesses. Born in 1995 in Amsterdam, Netherlands, this midfielder came through the AZ Alkmaar academy, played in the Eredivisie and Serie A with Lecce, before returning to Indonesia to join Persib Bandung in 2025. Last season, he scored 5 goals, provided 7 assists, and played a major role in Persib winning the Indonesian league title. In the national team, Haye also left his mark with an assist in the 3-0 victory over Vietnam in the Asian World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

Besides Haye, many other players also contribute to Indonesia's balanced strength. Eliano Reijnders brings speed and the ability to create breakthroughs on the wings. Marc Klok and Ivar Jenner help maintain balance in midfield, while Sandy Walsh performs well defensively and also scores. Even when coach John Herdman proactively substituted several key players in the second half to conserve energy and partially "hide his cards," Indonesia still controlled the game and added more goals, demonstrating impressive squad depth.

Indonesia's progress comes not only from player quality but also from a long-term development direction. Coach Herdman has repeatedly stated that the team's goal is not limited to the Southeast Asian arena but aims to compete at the Asian level and the World Cup. This mindset is helping Indonesia change its appearance both professionally and in competitive spirit.

After the opening round, Indonesia and Vietnam both have 3 points in Group A, while Singapore temporarily leads with 6 points after two matches. The clash between Vietnam and Indonesia on August 3 is expected to be a pivotal match in the race for the top spot in the group.

Based on what they have shown, Indonesia is no longer a temporary phenomenon but is gradually asserting its position as a new power in Southeast Asian football. This will be an opponent that any team must be particularly wary of on the journey to conquer the ASEAN Cup 2026.