Jakarta, Indonesia – July 19, 2026 – As the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Cup 2026 draws nearer, the Indonesian national football team, affectionately known as Garuda, faces mounting pressure following Vietnam’s stellar performance in their recent training camp in South Korea. Vietnamese media outlets have openly expressed confidence, even bordering on boastfulness, suggesting that Indonesia should be apprehensive about their rivals’ seemingly flawless preparations.
Vietnam, under the guidance of head coach Kim Sang-sik, concluded a rigorous training camp in South Korea with an unblemished record of four victories in as many friendly matches. This success has propelled them into a state of perceived readiness, a stark contrast to the ongoing squad selection process for the Indonesian team.
Vietnam’s Unwavering March Towards AFF Cup 2026
The Vietnamese squad has been meticulously preparing for the regional championship, which is set to commence in late July. Their training camp in South Korea served as a crucial platform to fine-tune tactics, build team chemistry, and assess the form of their players, including newly naturalized talents.
The four friendly matches saw Vietnam face a diverse range of opponents. They convincingly defeated three South Korean club sides: Siheung FC (6-0), Yongin FC (2-1), and Gangwon FC (2-1). In addition to these club encounters, they also secured a dominant 4-0 victory against fellow ASEAN competitor, Myanmar. These results underscore Vietnam’s offensive prowess and defensive solidity.
Adding to their depth and international experience, Vietnam has integrated three naturalized players into their squad: Patrik Le Giang, Ngo Dang Khoa, and Nguyen Tai Loc. The successful assimilation of these players into the team’s system will undoubtedly be a key factor in their AFF Cup campaign.
Indonesia’s Squad Selection Challenges
In stark contrast to Vietnam’s apparent readiness, the Indonesian national team, led by head coach John Herdman, is still in the process of finalizing its 23-man squad for the AFF Cup. The initial pool of 50 players has been significantly narrowed down, but the selection process has been marred by unfortunate circumstances.
The Indonesian camp has been hit by a spate of injuries, leading to the withdrawal of key players. Mauro Zijlstra and Yakob Sayuri have both been confirmed to be sidelined due to injuries, a significant blow to Herdman’s plans. Further complicating matters, newly naturalized player Luke Vickery will be unable to join the squad as his club, Macarthur FC, is currently engaged in pre-season preparations.
These setbacks have intensified the competition among the remaining players vying for a coveted spot in the final squad. Each elimination from the extended list signifies a tighter race for those who remain, placing greater pressure on them to perform and prove their worth.
Vietnamese Media’s Bold Pronouncements
The impressive performance of the Vietnamese team has evidently fueled a sense of confidence among their domestic media. Soha, a prominent Vietnamese media outlet, has taken a leading role in highlighting their team’s superior preparation and has directly addressed the Indonesian national team.
"The Vietnamese team is preparing very meticulously through friendly matches in South Korea, which should make Indonesia worried," stated Soha. The outlet further elaborated on the perceived lack of preparedness within the Indonesian squad.
According to Soha, the Indonesian team under John Herdman has yet to truly test its strength. This assertion is based on the fact that the Indonesian squad is scheduled to play a friendly match against Bali United, a domestic club, rather than a stronger international opponent.
"Coach John Herdman has not yet tested his strongest lineup for the AFF Cup in a friendly match," the publication observed. "The English coach needs to build chemistry among the players and establish a unified and solid playing vision," Soha added, implying thatHerdman’s squad is still a work in progress.
Analysis: The Implications of Contrasting Preparations
The contrasting levels of preparation between Vietnam and Indonesia for the AFF Cup 2026 cannot be overstated. Vietnam’s decisive victories in their friendly matches demonstrate a team that is cohesive, tactically astute, and firing on all cylinders. Their ability to integrate new players seamlessly and maintain a winning momentum is a testament to effective coaching and a well-structured training program.
For Indonesia, the injury setbacks and the ongoing squad selection process present significant challenges. While Herdman’s strategic vision for the team is undoubtedly long-term, the immediate need to build a competitive squad for the AFF Cup is paramount. The pressure to perform in a major regional tournament is immense, and any perceived lack of readiness can quickly translate into doubts and anxieties within the squad and among the fanbase.
The friendly match against Bali United, while an opportunity for players to showcase their abilities, may not provide the rigorous test required to gauge the team’s true strength against formidable international opposition. The coming days will be crucial for Herdman to finalize his squad, integrate any remaining players, and instill a sense of unity and purpose within the team.
Looking Ahead: The AFF Cup 2026 Landscape
The AFF Cup has historically been a fiercely contested tournament, with Southeast Asian nations showcasing a growing level of footballing talent. Vietnam has emerged as a perennial powerhouse, consistently challenging for the title. Their current form suggests they will be a formidable contender once again in 2026.
Indonesia, on the other hand, has shown flashes of brilliance and has the potential to upset any team on their day. However, consistency and squad depth have often been areas where they have faced challenges. The current situation, with injuries and ongoing selections, adds another layer of complexity to their campaign.
The statements from Vietnamese media, while perhaps intended to boost their own team’s morale and exert psychological pressure, also highlight a valid observation about the differing stages of preparation. The Indonesian Football Association and John Herdman will need to navigate these challenges effectively to ensure the Garuda squad is as prepared as possible to compete at the highest level in the upcoming AFF Cup. The coming weeks will reveal whether Indonesia can overcome these hurdles and present a strong challenge to their regional rivals, including a seemingly resurgent Vietnam.
Historical Context of the AFF Cup
The AFF Cup, formerly known as the Tiger Cup, has been held biennially since 1996, serving as the premier international football competition for men’s national teams in Southeast Asia. The tournament has witnessed the rise of several dominant forces, with Thailand holding the record for the most titles. However, Vietnam has also established itself as a consistent contender, having won the cup twice (2008, 2018) and reaching the semi-finals or finals on multiple other occasions.
Indonesia, despite its passionate footballing culture and a strong domestic league, is still seeking its first AFF Cup title. The nation has reached the final on six occasions (2000, 2002, 2004, 2010, 2016, 2020) but has been unable to clinch the coveted trophy. This persistent quest for continental glory adds another layer of significance to their participation in each edition of the tournament.
The growing professionalization of football across Southeast Asia, coupled with increased investment in youth development and international exposure, has led to a higher standard of play. This year’s AFF Cup is expected to be no different, with several nations capable of challenging for the title. The preparations of teams like Vietnam are a clear indicator of the evolving competitive landscape.
