Maarten Paes Calls for Fan Support for Indonesian National Team in FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026
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- Kiper Timnas Indonesia Maarten Paes menegaskan dukungan suporter menjadi faktor krusial dalam menghadapi FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026.
- Turnamen yang digelar 25 September–5 Oktober 2026 itu menempatkan Indonesia di Grup A bersama Malaysia, Singapura, dan Bangladesh.
- Paes berambisi mempersembahkan trofi pertama bagi Skuad Garuda, sembari tetap fokus pada kompetisi klub bersama Ajax.
Indonesian National Team goalkeeper, Maarten Paes, has called for crucial fan support for the upcoming FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, scheduled from September 25 to October 5, 2026. The goalkeeper, who currently plays for AFC Ajax, believes that a positive atmosphere from the stands will provide additional energy for the players on the field.
Paes is among the 23 players called up to strengthen the Garuda Squad. He will compete with Emil Audero and Nadeo Argawinata for the goalkeeper position. This internal competition is considered healthy and reflects the increasing squad depth ahead of the quadrennial tournament.
"To the National Team fans, let's create an atmosphere together. We, the players, will be motivated to show our best level and hope to celebrate the trophy together," Paes said.
Despite being the host, Indonesia will not have an easy run. The coach's team will face Malaysia, Singapore, and Bangladesh in Group A, Division 1. Paes realizes that every match will be tight, especially against teams of comparable quality.
"It's certainly not easy, especially against strong opponents. That's why we need the fans' support from the first minute to the 90th," added the goalkeeper, born in Nijmegen, Netherlands, on May 14, 1998.
Paes is currently the second-choice goalkeeper at Ajax, which recently loaned Marc-Andre ter Stegen from Barcelona. Nevertheless, he has still made five appearances early this season, mostly playing in the Conference League Qualifiers. This situation indicates that he continues to get sufficient playing time to maintain his fitness and sharpness.
For Indonesia, Paes's presence is a crucial pillar in the defense. His experience playing in Europe is expected to instill a competitive mentality in his teammates. Fan support is not just an accessory but part of a strategy to create psychological pressure on opponents.
This tournament also serves as a proving ground for Indonesian football on the regional stage. With host status, public expectations are naturally high. However, Paes and his teammates do not want to be burdened. Instead, they use the support as fuel to perform at their best.
Looking ahead, the big question is whether the Indonesian National Team can capitalize on the momentum of being hosts to win their first FIFA ASEAN Cup title in 2026. If supporters fill the stadium, Paes's ambition to celebrate the trophy together could very well come true.
