JAKARTA, HOLOPIS.COM – Indonesia’s national football team has finally lifted the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 trophy, but Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Chairman Erick Thohir has urged the Garuda squad not to become complacent, saying the team must now turn its attention to the bigger goal of competing at the World Cup.
Indonesia secured the title after a dramatic final against Thailand at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) in Jakarta on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. The match was fiercely contested, with both teams scoring twice to leave the score tied at 2-2 before the winner had to be decided through a penalty shootout.
Indonesia ultimately prevailed from the spot, officially securing the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 title. The triumph marked an important achievement for the Garuda squad. However, Erick said the victory should not cause the players to become complacent.
He said the match against Thailand provided valuable lessons about the quality Indonesia needs to compete at a higher level.
“We have to acknowledge that Thailand are a very good team. I appreciate the players’ efforts until the very last second,” Erick said after the match.
He said Indonesia’s journey throughout the tournament had not been easy. Even the team’s emphatic 9-2 victory over Bangladesh had required a significant effort. For that reason, Erick sees the championship as an opportunity for evaluation rather than simply a reason to celebrate.
Amid the title celebrations, Erick immediately shifted the focus toward a bigger ambition. He said that if Indonesia wants to compete for a place at the World Cup, every member of the team must prepare much more seriously.
“This is a good lesson for all the players and coaches that if we really want to make it to the World Cup, we have to prepare seriously, and the challenges will be very difficult,” Erick said.
His remarks underline that the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 trophy is viewed as a foundation for building confidence while raising Indonesia’s standards in international football. Erick also stressed the importance of mentality, urging the Garuda squad not to stop after overcoming its Southeast Asian rivals.
“But we are Indonesians. We are not a nation that gives up. We have to keep improving our football,” he said.
Despite the success, Erick acknowledged that the national team still has several weaknesses. Areas that have not performed optimally will be discussed with the coaching staff as part of the team’s evaluation. The review is considered increasingly important as Indonesia prepares for its next challenge at the Asian Cup.
“Yes, there are many things. Later, the coach and I will discuss them. There are many areas of weakness that we may need to improve in preparation for the Asian Cup,” Erick said.
The FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 title, therefore, is not the end of Indonesia’s journey. Instead, securing the trophy raises expectations for the team to continue improving. Indonesia now has positive momentum, but reaching a higher level will still require hard work. If the Garuda squad wants to make an impact on the world stage, it must prove that this championship is not merely a temporary peak, but the beginning of a much bigger ambition.
