John Herdman calls ASEAN Cup ideal moment to start new era with Indonesian National Team.

John Herdman didn't need long to find motivational fuel at the start of his tenure as Indonesian National Team Coach. He views the 2026 AFF Cup as the ideal stage to begin his new era alongside the Garuda. 

Herdman expressed enthusiasm for the 2026 AFF Cup, scheduled for July 24 - August 26 this year. The regional tournament will be Herdman's first competitive test since officially taking charge of the Merah Putih (Red and White) team.

Indonesia's long history in the AFF Cup, previously known as the AFF Championship, provides significant context for Herdman's optimism. 

The Indonesian National Team has reached the final six times but has never lifted the Champion's trophy. Herdman sees this fact as a positive opening, not a burden.

"I think the fact that Indonesia has never won this tournament is actually a great opportunity for a New Coach. The last thing you want is to be the coach who has reached the final six times, and then has to win it again for the seventh time," said Herdman after attending the 2026 AFF Cup group draw event in Jakarta, Thursday, January 15, 2026.

For Herdman, historical value is the main key. It's not just about the result, but about the chance to record the first moment that will be remembered in Indonesian Football history.

"So, to do it for the first time and make history with the fans and the players, that's the mindset we want to bring into this tournament," he emphasized.

Nevertheless, Herdman remains realistic. He recognizes that the competitive landscape in the AFF Cup is always tight, regardless of a team's favorite status or past experience.

"I think this is a real opportunity with the squad we have, but I also want to emphasize that every group, every team will be a tough opponent in this competition," he continued.

Indonesia's challenge in the 2026 AFF Cup becomes more complex because the tournament is held outside the FIFA match day calendar. 

Consequently, European clubs employing several Indonesian National Team Players may potentially not release their players.

However, for Herdman, this situation is not a significant obstacle. He actually sees it as an equal condition for all participants.

"It means all teams will be playing at the same level. The team that will be successful is the one that truly wants to represent its country in this moment, and we want to seize that opportunity to become the first Indonesian team to lift the trophy in the AFF Cup," Herdman stated firmly.

The AFF Cup carries bitter memories from the previous edition. In Indonesia's last appearance, the Garuda squad, then coached by Shin Tae-yong, failed to reach the semifinals after finishing only third in Group B.

That failure was cited as one of the factors leading to Shin Tae-yong's dismissal. The decision to dismiss him was made by PSSI just 16 days after the Indonesian national team lost 0-1 to the Philippines in their 2024 AFF Cup Group B match at Manahan Stadium, Surakarta.

Now, under John Herdman's leadership, the AFF Cup is more than just a regional tournament. For him, this event is a golden opportunity to restart, change the old narrative, and perhaps, for the first time, end the Garuda's long wait for a trophy.(Antara)