Indonesia beat Thailand 4-2 on penalties after 2-2 thriller to win the first FIFA ASEAN Cup

Indonesia are the first champions of the FIFA ASEAN Cup. In front of a packed Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Monday night, John Herdman's side beat Thailand 4-2 on penalties after the final finished 2-2 following extra time.

All the goals came after the 80th minute of a final that was goalless for most of its length, and Indonesia had to come from behind in extra time before goalkeeper Emil Audero settled it in the shootout.

Late drama in normal time

Thailand, coached by Anthony Hudson, were reduced to 10 men around the 80th minute when defender Nicholas Mickelson was sent off for a second yellow card. Indonesia soon made the extra player count: Dean James struck a free kick that deflected off Thailand's Iklas Sanron and went in.

The lead did not last long. Iklas made amends at the other end within a few minutes, turning in a delivery from Seksan Ratree to make it 1-1 and force extra time.

Thailand strike, Baggott answers

Despite playing a man down, Thailand went ahead in the second period of extra time when Peeradol Chamratsamee finished off a counter-attack. With the clock running down, Indonesia found a reply: Thailand goalkeeper Saranon Anuin could only parry a shot, and centre-back Elkan Baggott followed up to level at 2-2.

Audero the hero in the shootout

Indonesia were perfect from the spot. Kevin Diks, Dean James, Elkan Baggott and Shayne Pattynama all converted. Sarach Yooyen hit the post with their third kick, and Audero then saved from Nattapong Sayriya to win the trophy.

Herdman, the former Canada coach who took charge of Indonesia earlier this year, described the win as "a proud moment for Indonesia". Defender Calvin Verdonk said the title was a valuable boost ahead of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, while President Prabowo Subianto called the triumph historic and PSSI president Erick Thohir praised the team's fighting spirit.

How the tournament played out

The new FIFA-sanctioned competition was played in Indonesia during the international window, with Division 1 split into two groups. Indonesia topped Group A after beating Singapore 2-0, drawing 0-0 with Malaysia despite Thom Haye's red card, and thrashing Bangladesh 9-2, a match in which Mitchell Baker scored five times. They edged Malaysia for first place on goals scored after both sides finished on seven points.

Thailand won Group B even though they lost 2-1 to the Philippines on the final matchday, with Vietnam taking second place. Malaysia went on to beat Vietnam 1-0 in the third-place playoff earlier on Monday, while Hong Kong won the Division 2 title by beating Cambodia 2-0 in their final.

For Malaysian fans, the final carries a slightly bitter edge: Harimau Malaya held Indonesia to a draw and did not concede a goal all tournament, but missed out on the showpiece by just two goals scored.

Key takeaways

• Indonesia won the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, beating Thailand 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
• Thailand played the closing stages and all of extra time with 10 men after Nicholas Mickelson's red card.
• Elkan Baggott equalised late in extra time and also scored in the shootout.
• Emil Audero saved Thailand's fourth penalty to clinch the title.
• Malaysia finished third, Vietnam fourth; Hong Kong won Division 2.

FAQ

Who won the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026? Indonesia, who beat Thailand 4-2 on penalties in the final at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, on 5 October 2026.

Who scored in the FIFA ASEAN Cup final? Dean James and Elkan Baggott for Indonesia; Iklas Sanron and Peeradol Chamratsamee for Thailand.

Who coaches Indonesia? John Herdman, the former head coach of Canada's men's and women's national teams.

Sources: ANTARA News, RRI, VAVEL, Canadian Soccer Daily, Tempo, AFC