John Herdman's Promise for FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia national team head coach John Herdman has promised that the Garuda squad will give their full capability when competing in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, which begins at the end of this month.

This statement was made by Herdman after being asked about the promise he would make to supporters following his team’s failure in the 2026 AFF Cup last month.

“I believe we must promise that we will give everything we have. That is the only thing we can promise to the fans,” said Herdman during the announcement of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 broadcasters at SCTV Tower, Jakarta, on Monday.

This international tournament in Southeast Asia will run from 24 September to 5 October, with Indonesia hosting Division 1 matches at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) in Jakarta and the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung Regency.

Indonesia, competing in Division 1, occupies Group A alongside Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Singapore, while Group B consists of Vietnam, Pakistan, Thailand, and the Philippines. Matches in Group A will be played at SUGBK, whereas Group B matches will be held at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium.

The Garuda team’s first match in the FIFA ASEAN Cup is on 25 September at SUGBK against Singapore. Following that, Indonesia will face Malaysia on 28 September and subsequently Bangladesh on 1 October.

The English coach stated that he could only promise effort rather than the final result, as match outcomes are influenced by many factors on the pitch.

“You cannot promise things that you cannot control. You cannot control the ‘goddess of fortune’ in football, and you cannot control referee decisions,” said the former Canada national team coach.

“What you can control is your effort, your focus, and your commitment. And that is what our players will control throughout this tournament,” he added.