Indonesia's New Garuda Team Crowned Champions at SCWC 2026 After Defeating Argentina in the Final
A remarkable achievement has been recorded by the New Garuda team of Indonesia after successfully becoming champions in the Street Child World Cup (SCWC) 2026 in the Boys Shield category in Mexico City, Mexico.
The final match, held at Parque Ecológico Lago de Texcoco – Zona del Lago de Texcoco, Estado de Mexico, on Thursday, May 14, 2026, local time, saw Indonesia defeat Argentina in a penalty shootout.
After a 1-1 draw in normal time, Indonesia successfully defeated Argentina 3-2 in the penalty shootout.
This achievement surpasses Indonesia’s previous best achievement at the SCWC Russia 2018, when the Indonesian men’s team reached the semi-finals.
“This achievement is proof that sports can be a safe space to build character, hope, and the future for children. More than just a trophy, Garuda Baru carries the message that every child deserves to grow up in a safe and dignified environment,” said Mahir.
The SCWC 2026 is an international football event as well as a global advocacy forum for children who have experienced social vulnerability.
Through this participation, Indonesia promotes the campaign for children’s rights to a decent environment, including access to clean water, sanitation, safe play areas, and protection from violence.
The final match was played in two halves of eight minutes each. Indonesia took the lead through a goal by Raehan Alfarezi (6’) before Argentina equalized (8’).
The draw after two halves forced the match to go to a penalty shootout. Raehan Alfarezi, Aryo Topan Artha Gading, and Deno Mazra Rasyid successfully carried out their duties as penalty takers.
Goalkeeper Samuel Steven Siagian became the winner after successfully saving the last penalty kick from the Argentinian player and ensuring Indonesia emerged as champions.
“From the beginning, we prepared these children thoroughly, from tactics, physical, to mental preparation to face every match, including the final. The children were able to carry out instructions with discipline and showed a never-give-up spirit until the end of the match. We also prepared a strategy for the penalty shootout scenario and had appointed the penalty takers since the training sessions,” he said.