Indonesia ends 35-year wait for a senior regional football title

Indonesia, captained by Kevin Diks, has won the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, ending a 35-year wait for a competitive regional title at senior level. The team defeated Thailand 4-2 in a penalty shootout in Jakarta after the 2026 final finished 2-2 following extra time.

The breakthrough required a late rescue. Dean James put Indonesia ahead in the 84th minute, but Iklas Sanron soon equalised for Thailand. Thailand then took the lead in extra time before Elkan Baggott scored a late equaliser to keep Indonesia in contention.

Diks, James, Baggott and Shayne Pattynama all converted their penalties. At the other end, one Thai attempt hit the post and goalkeeper Emil Audero saved another, securing the victory for Indonesia.

The result carried a striking echo of the team's previous senior regional triumph. At the 1991 Southeast Asian Games in Manila, Indonesia also defeated Thailand on penalties in the final, winning that shootout 4-3 after a goalless match.

This time, the achievement came in front of tens of thousands of home supporters at Gelora Bung Karno stadium. Diks accepted the trophy and lifted it with his teammates, giving Indonesia both a long-awaited title and the distinction of becoming the new competition's first champion.