Indonesia pushes for first AFF Cup triumph as Sumardji denounces “ecek‑ecek” label

Chairman of the National Team Board, Sumardji, rejected remarks that the AFF Cup – renamed the ASEAN Hyundai Cup for 2026 – is a low‑prestige tournament. He stressed that the competition remains Southeast Asia’s most prestigious football event, despite not being on the FIFA calendar.

Indonesia has participated in every edition since 1996 and reached the final six times without ever winning. Sumardji said the 2026 tournament offers a chance to break that streak, especially as the national team enters a new era under coach John Herdman after missing the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Under Herdman, Indonesia recorded three wins in four matches and scored eight goals, conceding only a penalty‑shootout loss to Bulgaria.

The Garuda will compete in Group A with Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore and Timor Leste. Home games are scheduled at Pakansari Stadium in Bogor against Cambodia on 27 July and Vietnam on 3 August, with potential semifinal matches to be held at Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karantina Stadium.