Indonesia Reach FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 Final: The 9-2 Win and Signals from the Dressing Room

On the stands of Stadion Utama Gelora Bung Karno, tens of thousands of Indonesian fans were still standing, no one wanted to leave. The 9-2 score against Bangladesh was displayed on the electronic board, but what lingered was not the goals. It was the image of Mitchell Baker, the 21-year-old striker, bowing his head after scoring his fifth goal, not celebrating. John Herdman stood on the touchline, hands in his pockets, eyes looking towards the stands. I have followed the Indonesian national team through many regional tournaments, and this is the first time I have seen such a lopsided victory carry so many questions. "A team does not change its rhythm because of tactics, but because of the burdens they carry that no one sees." That sentence echoed in my head as I watched the players leave the pitch, no one smiling.

The FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 is entering its final stage. Indonesia secured first place in Group A, above Malaysia on goal difference. The 9-2 win over Bangladesh sent them to the final and confirmed their status as title contenders. Their opponent will be Thailand, a team considered one of the strongest in Southeast Asia. The final is scheduled for October 5, 2026. As a beat reporter, I was in Jakarta to cover the semifinal. The atmosphere at SUGBK before kickoff was special. Tens of thousands of red-and-white fans filled the stadium, singing continuously. It was one of the most passionate atmospheres I have ever witnessed in the region. But behind the joy of victory, there were signs that the road to the championship was not smooth.

The match began with a one-sided affair. Indonesia controlled the ball and attacked relentlessly. In the 12th minute, Mitchell Baker opened the scoring with a powerful long-range shot. Four minutes later, Rizky Ridho doubled the lead from a free-kick situation. Bangladesh pulled one back in the 25th minute after a defensive error by Indonesia. But that was just a moment. Justin Hubner scored the third in the 33rd minute, Luke Vickery added the fourth before halftime. In the second half, Indonesia continued to apply pressure. Kevin Diks scored the fifth, before Mitchell Baker completed his hat-trick of goals, his fourth and fifth of the match. Bangladesh scored a consolation from the penalty spot in the 78th minute, but could do nothing more. The 9-2 scoreline was sealed in the 90+2 minute by a substitute's goal. Each goal was a slice of attacking power, but also a reminder of the need for focus.

In football, a big win is always a double-edged sword. It brings confidence, but can also mask weaknesses. Indonesia scored nine goals against Bangladesh, an opponent weaker in every aspect. Mitchell Baker, the rising young striker, scored five. Rizky Ridho, Justin Hubner, Luke Vickery, and Kevin Diks each contributed one. This is a positive sign of diverse attacking ability. They are not dependent on a single individual. However, conceding two goals against a team like Bangladesh raises questions about the defensive system. Thailand will not allow Indonesia as much space. They have a solid defense, final experience, and players who can punish the smallest mistakes.

John Herdman understands this. Speaking after the match, he said: "This is only one step." He wants his players to forget the win and focus on the final. This is a classic psychological management approach of an experienced coach. He does not let the team fall into complacency. He also spoke out to protect Mitchell Baker from online criticism. "I ask everyone to stop bullying young players. They need to be protected." That statement shows Herdman is not only a tactician, but also a leader who cares about his players' mental health. In modern football, social media pressure can greatly affect player performance, especially for young players.

Herdman is known as a coach with a disciplined and psychological management style. He previously coached the Canadian national team and has experience in international tournaments. In Indonesia, he was tasked with rebuilding the team and aiming for titles. Taking the team to the ASEAN Cup final is an important step. But Herdman knows that success is only recognized with a trophy. He has built a young, energetic squad with players like Mitchell Baker, Rizky Ridho, Justin Hubner. He also maximized naturalized players to add depth. However, combining young players and naturalized players requires skill in managing the dressing room. Herdman has done that quite well so far.

Looking deeper, if Indonesia maintains a high pressing style, they could be exploited by Thailand in the space behind the defense. There is no xG or passing data, but the 9-2 scoreline shows high scoring efficiency. Is that due to good finishing or poor Bangladeshi defense? Thailand will be the real test. They have technical, experienced players and often play very solidly against regional opponents. Historically, Indonesia has struggled against Thailand in big matches. This is an opportunity to erase that stigma.

Another notable point: the presence of players with European names like Kevin Diks, Justin Hubner, Luke Vickery. This suggests Indonesia is using a naturalization pathway or players of Indonesian descent abroad. This could be a structural advantage over neighbors. However, the original article does not confirm this. If true, it is a long-term strategy by PSSI to improve the national team's quality. But it also raises questions about identity and cohesion within the squad. Do these players feel enough attachment to the red-and-white shirt? Only time will tell.

In fact, in recent years, Indonesia has pushed a naturalization program. Names like Kevin Diks, Justin Hubner, Luke Vickery all have Indonesian roots or have been naturalized. This gives the team additional quality and experience from European leagues. However, it has also sparked debates in public opinion about national identity. Some fans argue for prioritizing domestic players. But in modern football, using naturalized players is a common trend. What matters is their commitment and integration into the team. Herdman has done well in building team spirit, where every player feels they belong.

Regarding team management, Herdman is a strong public leader. He controls the message and protects his players. But the pressure from fans is immense. They crave a title. Indonesia has not won a regional tournament for a long time. The final will be a psychological test. "The tears in Kazan are not to be wiped, they remain for me to decode." I have witnessed players' tears after defeat. They are not just sadness, but also lessons. Herdman is trying to turn pressure into motivation.

The pressure from Indonesian fans is enormous. Football is a national sport in the archipelago. Every national team match is a national event. Fans follow every step of the team, from training to the dressing room. They crave a title after decades of waiting. Indonesia has reached the ASEAN Cup final many times but has never won. That pain has sunk deep into the fans' consciousness. Therefore, the final against Thailand is not just a match, but a chance to erase historical pain.

However, there is a counterintuitive angle: The 9-2 win could be a psychological trap. It creates excessive optimism. Thailand is not Bangladesh. They will punish the smallest mistakes. Indonesia's defense conceded two goals, and if not improved, they will struggle to keep a clean sheet against Thailand. Moreover, public pressure, especially the bullying of Mitchell Baker, could affect the young player's mentality. Herdman has tried to reduce pressure, but is it enough? A suspicious detail: Indonesia only finished above Malaysia on goal difference in the group stage. This shows they are not completely dominant over regional rivals. The final is a separate risk event, not a continuation of the semifinal. "An empty stadium is keeping the beat for all those who know how to be silent." The silence before the final could be a sign of focus or fear.

Looking at head-to-head history, Thailand often has the upper hand over Indonesia in important matches. They have a technical playing style, good ball control, and players who can create breakthroughs. Thailand has also won the ASEAN Cup multiple times and has final experience. Indonesia, on the other hand, has often been criticized for lacking character in decisive moments. This is a chance to prove otherwise. But to do so, they need to overcome psychological barriers.

To better understand Indonesia's strength, we need to look at their group stage journey. They topped Group A, above Malaysia on goal difference. This means they did enough to advance, but not overwhelmingly. Malaysia, a regional rival, pushed the race to the smallest details. Thailand, their final opponent, is rated higher than Malaysia. They have a balanced squad and experience. Therefore, Indonesia needs more than a strong attack. They need balance.

In modern football, victory does not only come from attack. It comes from the ability to control the match, from defensive solidity, and from mental strength. Herdman has built a team with high fighting spirit. But do they have enough composure to beat Thailand? The final will answer.

We should also mention the role of PSSI, the Indonesian football federation. They have invested in the national team, creating conditions for Herdman to work. Taking the team to the final is an initial success. But true success only comes with a title. Indonesian fans have waited too long. They deserve a celebration.

However, we should not forget that football is a sport of surprises. A 9-2 win does not guarantee a win in the final. It is only one step. Thailand will have their own plans. They will study Indonesia thoroughly. They will try to lock down Mitchell Baker and exploit the space behind the defense. If Indonesia does not fix their gaps, they could pay the price.

As for Mitchell Baker, this young player is becoming the center of attention. Five goals is an impressive achievement. But the pressure that comes with it is immense. He has been bullied on social media, possibly due to earlier misses or excessive expectations. Herdman has spoken out to protect him. This shows the importance of managing young players' psychology. If Baker loses confidence, Indonesia's attack loses a spearhead. Therefore, his mental stability is a key factor.

In that situation, the final is not just a tactical battle, but also a psychological war. The team that controls their emotions will have the advantage. Herdman has experience leading national teams. He knows how to create a positive environment. But he cannot control everything. Fans, media, and social media can create pressure. That is the challenge.

Another aspect to analyze is the schedule. The final takes place just days after the semifinal. Recovery time is short. Players can be overloaded. Thailand is in a similar situation, but they may have better squad depth. Indonesia needs to rotate wisely. Herdman will have to calculate.

The short recovery time is also an important factor. Indonesian players have just gone through an intense, high-intensity match. They need rest and recovery. The coaching staff will have to calculate squad rotation. Young players like Mitchell Baker may need protection. Older players need fitness management. Thailand may have an advantage in squad depth, but Indonesia has the home advantage and fan support.

Tactically, if Indonesia plays high pressing, they need to ensure the defense is not exposed. Thailand has fast, technical players. They can counterattack quickly. Indonesia needs to balance attack and defense. This is a difficult equation.

Indonesia may approach the final with a more cautious tactic. They may not press high from the start, but wait for counterattack opportunities. Thailand often plays possession football, so Indonesia needs discipline in defense. They need to pay special attention to wing play and through balls. If Indonesia keeps a clean sheet in the first half, they can be more confident in the second. The first goal will be crucial.

Additionally, the home factor could be an advantage. If the final is held at SUGBK, tens of thousands of fans will add strength. But it is also a double-edged sword. The pressure to win at home can make players tense. They need to turn pressure into motivation.

In summary, Indonesia has had an impressive journey. They scored nine goals against Bangladesh, a tournament record. They topped the group stage. They reached the final. But to win the cup, they need more. They need a solid defense, a strong mentality, and a bit of luck. The final against Thailand will be the ultimate test. And whatever the result, it will shape the future of Indonesian football for years to come.

The final will be a comprehensive test for both the team and the coaching staff. It will show whether Indonesia is ready to become a regional champion. Whatever the result, this journey has provided valuable lessons. But in football, only titles are remembered. Herdman and his players understand that. They will enter the final with the highest determination.

As I left SUGBK that night, I saw a boy wearing Mitchell Baker's number 10 shirt, crying with joy. I thought: "Football is for children to dream, not for adults to suffer." Those were the words of Renato Augusto, whom I followed in Kazan. And perhaps, that is also the message Herdman is trying to convey. This team is not just playing for a title, but for the belief of millions.

The final will take place. And I will be there, with my notebook, to record the heartbeat of a team trying to overcome itself.