Indonesia is determined to become the first champion of the new FIFA tournament.

Indonesia is not just pursuing the hosting rights for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026; it also targets a historic first championship using its most powerful squad.

Indonesian football now has the chance to create an unprecedented milestone in history as it is regarded as the most promising candidate for hosting the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. If chosen by FIFA, this would mark the first time a Southeast Asian regional tournament is organized under direct FIFA management, opening a new chapter for regional football and the aspirations of the archipelago nation.

Unlike previous ASEAN Cup editions, the new tournament is scheduled to take place from September to October 2026 and will be part of FIFA’s official match calendar. This means national teams can call up their full-strength squads without any resistance from club sides. This is seen as a game-changing factor for teams with many players abroad.

Indonesia is one of the countries that benefits the most from this rule. In recent years, the archipelago team has steadily added a host of naturalized players and Indonesian‑heritage players active in Europe. Names like Jay Idzes, Calvin Verdonk, Kevin Diks, Ragnar Oratmangoen, Ole Romeny, Justin Hubner, Nathan Tjoe‑A‑On, Joey Pelupessy, and Emil Audero could all be available from the start of the tournament. With a squad considered to have the deepest and highest quality in Southeast Asia today, Indonesia makes no secret of its ambition to achieve a historic title.

Beyond targeting success on the pitch, Indonesia is also working hard to become the tournament host. According to multiple reports, President Prabowo Subianto will send an official letter to FIFA to convey the nation’s determination and preparedness to host the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. Government involvement is viewed as a major asset that strengthens Indonesia’s bid before FIFA.

Recent actions further highlight Indonesian football’s serious ambitions. President Prabowo met with the Chairman of the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) Erick Thohir and head coach John Herdman to discuss various matters related to preparation plans. Alongside modern stadiums, Indonesia is also reported to be finalizing arrangements for transport, security, healthcare, and infrastructure to meet international standards.

Indonesian football expert Ronny Pangemanan even estimates the country’s chance of securing the hosting rights at about 90%. In his view, strong government backing and systematic preparation are making Indonesia the frontrunner. If it wins the right to host, Indonesian football will not only be able to affirm its regional standing but also set its sights on the larger goal of capturing the first FIFA ASEAN Cup title in history.