Indonesia Eliminated from the AFF Cup, Herdman Vows to Rectify Mistakes Ahead of the FIFA ASEAN Cup

Indonesia national team head coach John Herdman confirmed that restructuring measures will be implemented after the Garuda squad failed to qualify for the 2026 AFF Cup semi-finals. This defeat will serve as evaluation material to rebuild the team with fresh spirit ahead of upcoming fixtures.

"We will fix all of this and return with a new spirit, an entirely renewed spirit," stated Herdman in an official press release received in Jakarta.

Indonesia was eliminated from the 2026 AFF Cup after being held to a 1-1 draw by Singapore in their final Group A match at Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore, on Friday 7 August.

While the Garuda squad dominated the match overall, they were unable to penetrate Singapore's defensive line.

"We had more than enough chances to win that match. We had good ball possession, good control of the game, and sometimes the football gods just do not give you what you deserve," he commented.

Herdman had previously criticised the referee's officiating during the match, but the English coach opted not to continue discussing the matter further as it would bring no benefit to the team.

Instead, he chose to frame the 2026 AFF Cup exit as an integral part of the Garuda squad's long-term development process.

He noted that one critical lesson for the players is managing emotions and maintaining full focus on their on-pitch responsibilities, adding that most of the squad already demonstrated this mindset throughout the tournament.

Herdman further confirmed that all players have already acknowledged the minor errors that caused Indonesia to lose critical match momentum.

"These small mistakes will not appear again in our next tournaments," he pledged.

He called on all parties to remain patient through this development period, until the Garuda squad secures its first trophy under his leadership.

Indonesia will get their first opportunity to bounce back at the FIFA ASEAN Cup, scheduled for September-October 2026. This tournament will be the first test for the improvements implemented following the AFF Cup review.

Notably, Indonesia will once again face Singapore. Both nations were drawn into Group A alongside Malaysia and India.

"I cannot wait to face Singapore again. That match will absolutely come," he said.

Herdman expressed hope that this AFF Cup setback will become the strong foundation for the team's growth. With the planned restructuring, he aims for the Garuda squad to enter future competitions with an entirely different attitude, character and fighting spirit.