The Vietnam national team is strong, but Indonesia still sets its sights on winning the 2026 ASEAN Cup.

Indonesia's head coach John Herdman views Vietnam as the leading candidate to win the 2026 AFF Cup, due to their consistent lineup, early readiness, and status as defending champions.

Indonesia is placed in Group A of the 2026 AFF Cup alongside Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia, and Timor-Leste. According to Indonesian media, Vietnam and the archipelago nation are the two strongest contenders for the semifinal spots. However, Coach John Herdman believes that Kim Sang Sik's side holds the advantage in the race for the championship.

"In my view, Vietnam is the title favorite. They started preparing earlier, have a solid team, know how to win in tournaments, and are the current champions," Coach John Herdman assessed.

The English manager has just begun his journey with the Indonesian national team and admits he is still learning about regional football. The 2026 ASEAN Cup will be Herdman's first official tournament as Indonesia's head coach, after leading the team during the FIFA Days series last June.

"I am still studying the characteristics of opponents, playing styles, and the football landscape in this region. This is my first time coaching a team in Southeast Asia," Herdman shared.

Despite recognizing Vietnam's strength, Coach John Herdman stressed that Indonesia is not participating in the 2026 AFF Cup merely to make an appearance. The Indonesian team aims to compete for the title, while viewing the tournament as part of building toward the 2027 Asian Cup and the goal of qualifying for the 2030 World Cup.

Herdman also warned his players not to focus solely on the match against Vietnam. According to the 51-year-old coach, every opponent in Group A can pose challenges for Indonesia. Coach John Herdman's side will play their opening match against Cambodia on July 27 and must maintain focus from the very first games.

Beyond the group stage competition, Coach John Herdman expressed a desire for Indonesia to face Malaysia in the knockout rounds. The English manager believes that encounters between the two teams always create a special atmosphere.

"Whenever Indonesia meets Malaysia, it's always a big match. We hope to once again show our best ability," Herdman said.

Coach Herdman also hopes that the strong support from Indonesian fans will continue to accompany the national team, especially during home games. According to him, the atmosphere created by the supporters provides extra energy for the whole squad.

"All of my matches with Indonesia so far have been in Jakarta, and it has been an honor. The support from Indonesian fans is truly amazing," Herdman concluded.

In the 2026 AFF Cup, Vietnam enters the tournament as the defending champions. Kim Sang Sik's team will hold a training camp in Incheon, South Korea from July 2 to 14 before beginning their title defense campaign.

According to the Group A schedule, Vietnam will face Timor-Leste in their opening match on July 24, host Singapore on July 30, and travel to face Indonesia on August 3. Vietnam will conclude the group stage with a home match against Cambodia on August 7.