Indonesia Prepares for AFF 2026, Eyes Singapore as Key Threat

Indonesia's national football team is focusing on the AFF Championship 2026, scheduled for 24 July‑26 August. Coach John Herdman said the team will take the tournament one match at a time, beginning with a home game against Cambodia on 27 July, followed by matches versus the play‑off winner, Vietnam and a final group clash with Singapore on 7 August. Herdman stressed that sticking to the process and mental preparation is more important than pre‑emptively targeting the title.

Singapore, under 35‑year‑old coach Gavin Lee, is also reshaping its squad ahead of the tournament. Lee announced a 28‑player list for upcoming FIFA windows against Mongolia and China, using the matches to sharpen the side that recently qualified for the 2027 Asian Cup. The Singapore Lions aim to translate their recent progress into a strong showing in Group A, where they will meet Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and the Brunei/Timor Leste play‑off winner.

Both coaches consider the AFF Cup a vital step in their long‑term plans, with Indonesia seeking its first title after six runner‑up finishes and Singapore hoping to cement its rising status in Southeast Asian football.