John Herdman Confident Indonesia Can Beat Singapore in 2026 AFF Cup Opener

Indonesia head coach John Herdman has laid out his approach ahead of the opening Group A match in Division 1 of the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup against Singapore. The match, to be played at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta on Friday (25/9/2026), is a crucial moment for Herdman to prove the new direction of the Garuda squad.

Herdman knows that an opening match always sets the tone. He stressed that his main priority is to bring the players back to the playing identity that had begun to take shape in the two previous FIFA Matchdays, in March and June 2026. At that time, most of the core players were available and able to show solid form at home.

"The first step is to bring this group back together with our identity. I think that is always the foundation as a coach, to instil an identity that has worked well for us in home matches during the March and June 2026 period when these players were available," Herdman said.

However, Herdman does not want his team to merely look tidy. He emphasised the importance of concrete results in tournament football. "Then the second thing is to find a way to win. I mean, this is tournament football, so the first thing you have to do is get three points," he added.

The match is also in the spotlight because it will be broadcast live by a number of national television stations and digital platforms, signalling high public expectations. Herdman is aware of that pressure, but he is using it as motivation to restore an entertaining style of play for the fans.

"So, we will find a way to win on Friday, bring them back to our style of play, remind them who we are and who we are doing all this for, which is our fans," Herdman explained.

For Indonesia, a win over Singapore is not just about the numbers. It is a statement that the national team can compete at the regional level after a long search for consistency. Herdman wants to ensure that the team's identity does not fade with player turnover or a packed schedule.

In a broader context, the 2026 AFF Cup is a proving ground for Indonesian football, which is in the middle of rebuilding. With a tight tournament format, every point is precious. A win in the opening match will give a multiplied confidence boost before facing other strong opponents in Group A.

Herdman has not made many promises, but his instructions are clear: focus on the process, stay disciplined to the identity, and aim for maximum results. The Indonesian public certainly hopes this strategy produces real results on the pitch.

The question is, can Herdman translate rhetoric into victory? The answer will be seen in 90 minutes at SUGBK.