Australia clinches AFF U-19 championship as Indonesia secures third place

Australia's U‑19 team won the 2026 AFF (ASEAN) Championship, defeating Thailand 2–0 in the final at Stadion Utama Sumatera Utara, Deli Serdang. Alexander Garbowski opened scoring in the 41st minute from a corner, and Beckham Baker added a late goal in injury time (90+7). The victory gave Australia its sixth AFF U‑19 title.

Indonesia finished third, beating Cambodia 1–0 in the bronze‑match. Muhammad Al Gazani Dwi Sugandi scored the decisive goal in the 62nd minute from a corner delivered by Isfandyar Abdillah. The tournament was hosted by Indonesia’s North Sumatra province, with Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution presenting the trophy and local police praising the safe, orderly conduct of the event.

Coach Nova Arianto, reflecting on Indonesia’s performance, highlighted physical fitness and decision‑making as areas for improvement and urged the PSSI to schedule more international friendlies ahead of the U‑20 Asian Cup qualifiers in Laos later 2026. The event also featured awards for best goalkeeper, top scorer and MVP, and was noted as a showcase of emerging talent in Southeast Asian football.