John Herdman Ends 35-Year Wait: Indonesia's First Trophy in 9 Months on the Job

Indonesia ended a 35-year wait for a senior title after beating Thailand 4-2 on penalties in the final of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, Monday (5/10/2026). The win is more than just a trophy; it marks the revival of the national game under the command of John Herdman, the English coach who has been in charge of the Garuda squad for just 278 days.

Since he was officially introduced on 1 January 2026, Herdman has faced high expectations to restore the glory of a team that last won a senior title at the 1991 SEA Games. The road has not been smooth: of 12 official matches, he has recorded eight wins, two draws, and two defeats. Yet behind those statistics lies a story of mental resilience that has changed the face of the team.

Herdman's achievement with Indonesia is remarkable when compared with his record in Canada. Across 58 matches with The Reds, he averaged 1.98 points per game. Now, with Indonesia, that figure has jumped to 2.17—an indication that he can lift a team's performance at a more competitive level. Productivity has also stood out: 34 goals in 12 matches, though 14 were conceded.

The road to the final was far from flat. After promising showings at the March FIFA Series and June 2026 FIFA Matchday, Indonesia crashed out early at the 2026 AFF Cup, even suffering a 0-3 humiliation at home to Vietnam. Criticism was directed at Herdman's tactics, especially during the narrow win over Singapore (2-0), the near-defeat to Malaysia, and the drama against Bangladesh. In the final, Thailand, playing with 10 men, almost stole the win before penalties settled it.

"This is a proud moment for Indonesia. The first trophy in history. The players who are here scored that goal and helped us become a more united group," Herdman said after the match.

The success also marks a shift in the landscape of Southeast Asian football. Thailand, long the dominant force, must acknowledge Indonesia's superiority on the official FIFA stage. For Herdman, this trophy is a validation of his coaching method, which emphasizes collectivity and tactical discipline—an approach that was questioned early in his tenure.

Greater challenges lie ahead. With this title, public expectations for the Indonesia national team will soar, especially ahead of the 2030 World Cup qualifiers and the next regional tournament. Herdman must sustain the momentum while facing pressure from increasingly competitive rivals. Is this the start of a new Indonesian dominance in Southeast Asia, or just a fleeting glimpse? The national football public awaits the answer on the pitch.