Indonesia have finished as AFF Cup runners-up on six occasions. The 2026 edition of the tournament will be the chance to finally put an end to this long-running title drought.

The 2026 AFF Cup will run from 24 July 2026 to 26 August 2026. For the Indonesian National Team, this edition carries a huge hope to end the long wait by lifting the AFF Cup trophy for the very first time.

Across almost three decades of the tournament's existence, Indonesia has remained one of the most consistent competing teams. However, one milestone that has still never been achieved is claiming the championship title.

Ironically, the Garuda squad holds the record for the most runner-up finishes in the entire history of the AFF Cup.

Six Final Appearances, Six Failed Attempts

Since it was first held in 1996, the AFF Cup has produced four champion nations. These four countries are Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam and Malaysia.

Indonesia has never lifted the trophy, even though the Red and White squad has already reached the final on six occasions: 2000, 2002, 2004, 2010, 2016 and 2020.

Regrettably, every single one of these opportunities ended in disappointment. Indonesia was forced to settle for runner-up position after failing to overcome the final hurdle each time.

This record stands as the highest number of runner-up finishes of any country in Southeast Asia.

The 2026 AFF Cup presents a new chance to break this curse.

Thailand Remains King of Southeast Asia

When discussing the history of the AFF Cup, Thailand is still the undisputed ruler of the tournament. The War Elephants have collected seven championship titles, winning the 1996, 2000, 2002, 2014, 2016, 2020 and 2022 editions.

This dominance cements Thailand as the most successful nation in the entire history of the tournament.

Below Thailand is Singapore with four titles. Remarkably, The Lions hold a perfect record: they have won the championship every single time they have reached the final.

Meanwhile, Vietnam sits in third place with three titles. The Golden Star Warriors enter the 2026 AFF Cup as defending champions, after defeating Thailand in the final of the 2024 edition.

Indonesia Has The Chance To Write History

Even though past history has not favoured Indonesia, high optimism still follows the Garuda squad's campaign.

Under the guidance of John Herdman, Indonesia are targeting an end to their long title drought. For the group phase, Indonesia have been drawn alongside Vietnam, Singapore, Timor Leste and Cambodia.

The opening match against Cambodia will be the first step before they face their two main rivals, Vietnam and Singapore.