Indonesia Makes History as First-Ever FIFA ASEAN Cup Champion
President Prabowo Subianto witnessed in person the Indonesian national team make history by winning the first-ever FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. The final against Thailand was played at the Bung Karno Main Sports Stadium in Jakarta on Monday evening (10/05).
The final of the first FIFA ASEAN Cup was tightly contested from the beginning. Indonesia and Thailand both sought to break the deadlock as the match approached the final minutes of normal time.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 84th minute. Dean James gave Indonesia a 1-0 lead with a free kick from outside the penalty area. The free kick was awarded after Thailand’s Nicholas Mickelson committed a foul and was sent off following an accumulation of yellow cards.
The goal energized the Garuda squad, but Thailand responded quickly. Three minutes later, Iklas Sanron equalized at 1-1 in the 87th minute. The score remained level until the end of normal time, sending the match into extra time.
The match continued into extra time. Thailand took the lead through Peerapol Chamrasamee in the 111th minute. However, Indonesia refused to give up. Five minutes later, Elkan Baggott scored in the 116th minute to make it 2-2 and revive the Garuda team’s hopes.
No further goals were scored by the end of 120 minutes of the match, and the title had to be decided through a penalty shootout.
In the decisive shootout, Indonesia’s players carried out their duties well. The Garuda squad ultimately won the penalty shootout 4-2 against Thailand, securing the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 trophy for Indonesia.
The victory marked a historic milestone for Indonesian football as the first champion of the FIFA ASEAN Cup. The inaugural tournament was held with Indonesia as one of the host countries and featured national teams from Southeast Asia as well as several invited teams.
President Prabowo’s presence in the stands demonstrated the President’s direct support for the Indonesian national team’s campaign. The President watched the match alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, several ministers of the Red and White Cabinet, and leaders of state institutions.
After the match, President Prabowo Subianto and FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented medals and handed over the trophy to the Indonesian national team.
The night at the Bung Karno sports stadium ended with a historic achievement. After a 120-minute match and a decisive penalty shootout, the Indonesian national team lifted the trophy as the inaugural champion of the FIFA ASEAN Cup in front of the home crowd.
In his remarks after the match, President Prabowo said he was happy and proud to witness the Garuda squad’s determination to fight until the final moments of the match. According to him, the players’ never-give-up spirit set an important example.
“We are happy, we are grateful, and we are proud of our team’s struggle. They did not give up until the very last second. I think it is something to be proud of, and it is an example of a never-give-up spirit and that we can succeed,” the President said, and then continued by highlighting the significance of the victory for Indonesian football’s journey in international competitions organized by FIFA.
“This may be the first time in history that we have won a FIFA international match,” the President said. (BPMI) (EST/TM)
