Sentul, Bogor - The 2026 AFF Cup has finally kicked off. Ten nations are once again competing for Southeast Asian football supremacy in the tournament now officially renamed the ASEAN Championship.
But this time, it is not just the tournament name or match schedule that has changed. The most significant shift is Indonesia's standing.
For the first time in recent editions, the Garuda squad enters the AFF Cup carrying far greater expectations. Multiple regional media outlets have even listed Indonesia as one of the strongest contenders to lift the trophy.
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This status comes on the back of improved squad quality, player regeneration, and the long-term project currently being built under head coach John Herdman.
The catch, however, is that carrying favourite status is often far harder than competing as an underdog.
Herdman appears well aware of this. That is why he has repeatedly stressed that the AFF Cup is not the final destination for the Indonesian National Team. This tournament is part of a much larger vision: building a side that can compete at Asian level and pave the way to the World Cup.
Ahead of their opening fixture against Cambodia at Pakansari Stadium, Herdman is yet to publicly announce his final squad. He has however narrowed his selection down to 26 players, and noted that the team's playing identity and on-pitch chemistry continue to show consistent progress.
While Indonesia is still holding their cards close to their chest, their rivals have arrived fully prepared.
Defending champions Vietnam have already named their 25-man squad that will fight to retain their title. Kim Sang-sik is fielding his usual mix of seasoned veterans and naturalised players, sending a clear message that Vietnam have no intention of surrendering their Southeast Asian football crown.
Thailand are also not here to make up the numbers. The most successful nation in AFF Cup history has reaffirmed their unchanged target: to win the tournament. Their experience, winning culture and championship mentality mean Thailand remains the benchmark every side must overcome to become the new regional powerhouse.
The competitive landscape has shifted. Indonesia arrive with an ever-improving squad. Vietnam carry the weight of defending champions. Thailand uphold their long-held status as Southeast Asia's traditional football kings. These three powerhouses enter the tournament carrying different burdens, but all chasing the same prize.
For Indonesia, the greatest pressure comes not from their rivals, but from expectation itself.
The public are no longer satisfied just seeing the Garuda put up a competitive fight. What they are waiting for now is the trophy. Yet time and time again, history has shown that the AFF Cup is never decided by player quality alone.
This short, condensed tournament demands consistency, squad depth, adaptability, and the mental fortitude to handle pressure in every single match.
So does Indonesia truly deserve their favourite tag? Can John Herdman's project pass this very first major test? Just how big a threat do Vietnam and Thailand pose to the title race?
All these questions will be broken down in depth on the ITSMe Podcast, hosted by ITSMe presenters Raisha and Gilang Respaty. Joining them live from ITSMe Studio in Sentul, Bogor are football analysts Kesit Budi Handoyo and Erwin Fitriansyah.
This discussion will cover not just title chances, but also the new direction of Indonesian football amid the ever-increasing intensity of Southeast Asian competition.
