Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto: FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 a 'Golden Moment' for Indonesian National Team
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- Legenda Timnas Indonesia Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto menilai skuad Garuda punya kualitas mewah untuk merebut gelar FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026.
- Status turnamen yang masuk kalender resmi FIFA membuat semua negara peserta dipastikan menurunkan kekuatan terbaik, termasuk para pemain diaspora.
- Indonesia tergabung di Grup A bersama Malaysia, Singapura, dan Bangladesh, dengan laga digelar 25 September–5 Oktober 2026.
National football legend Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto asserted that the Indonesian National Team has a great chance to win the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, which will take place from September 25 to October 5, 2026. The man, affectionately known as Kurus, believes the tournament's status as an official FIFA agenda is the main differentiator compared to previous regional competitions.
This optimism comes after Indonesia suffered a bitter defeat in the AFF Cup 2026 last July–August, where the Garuda Squad was eliminated in the group stage. At that time, John Herdman's team could not field its best strength because the AFF Cup was not part of the FIFA calendar, allowing European clubs to retain their players.
"This is an official FIFA calendar tournament. This means all teams will definitely field their best players," said Kurniawan, underlining the fundamental difference between the two events.
In the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, Indonesia holds the status of Division 1 host and is grouped in Group A with Malaysia, Singapore, and Bangladesh. This format allows all available players, including diaspora players, to strengthen the national team, except for those still struggling with injuries.
Several names predicted to be absent due to injury include Jay Idzes, Miliano Jonathans, and Mees Hilgers. Nevertheless, Kurniawan believes the available player pool remains abundant. He mentioned Kevin Diks, Ole Romeny, Justin Hubner, Calvin Verdonk, Joey Pelupessy, and Elkan Baggott as reliable figures.
"Looking at the current squad, we are truly very luxurious, very high quality, except for Jay, who might be injured. But for the others, I think with all their experience and quality, we must become champions," he asserted.
Kurniawan also highlighted the competition in Group A, especially Malaysia, which he mentioned has many naturalized players, particularly from Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT). According to him, the individual quality of JDT players should be watched out for. However, he still hopes Indonesia can make the most of this opportunity.
"Although we know other teams are also preparing well, we know Malaysia also has many naturalized players, especially some from JDT whom I know have good quality. But I really hope that because this is the first ASEAN event to be included in the FIFA calendar, all countries will definitely field their best teams," he explained.
For the Indonesian football public, Kurniawan's statement serves as a morale booster and a reminder that high expectations have long burdened the national team. The failure in the AFF Cup 2026 is still fresh, and now the official FIFA tournament becomes a stage to prove that the naturalization program and youth development are starting to take shape.
Strategically, participation in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 also impacts FIFA rankings and the credibility of Indonesian football on the international stage. As the host, Indonesia is required not only to perform competitively but also to manage the event according to FIFA standards—from stadium infrastructure, security, to broadcasting rights. Success in this tournament could be a stepping stone towards bigger targets, such as qualification for the 2030 World Cup.
On the other hand, the presence of diaspora players in the squad continues to spark debate about identity and local development. However, Kurniawan sees it as an inevitability of modern football. He emphasized that this opportunity must be utilized as best as possible to meet the expectations and prayers of the community longing for a championship title.
"God willing, hopefully, this will be a testament that our team can meet the expectations and prayers of the community who have long wished for us to be champions," he concluded.
The question now is: can the Indonesian National Team turn optimism into a trophy, or will the pressure of being the host become a boomerang? The answer will be seen on the field, but one thing is certain—the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 will be a benchmark for how far Indonesian football has progressed.
