Indonesia made history by winning the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, defeating Thailand 4-2 on penalties after a dramatic final ended 2-2 following extra time at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Monday night.
The two sides were goalless at half-time before the contest came alive late in the second half. Thailand were reduced to 10 men when Nicholas Mickelson received his second yellow card in the 81st minute. Three minutes later, Indonesia took the lead when Dean James’ free kick deflected off Iklas Sanron and found the net. Iklas responded at the other end in the 87th minute, finishing a pass from Seksan Ratree to force extra time.
Thailand then moved ahead in the 111th minute through substitute Peeradol Chamrasamee, whose powerful effort beat Indonesian goalkeeper Emil Audero. Indonesia refused to surrender, however, and Elkan Baggott equalised four minutes before the end of extra time after converting a cross from Rizky Ridho.
The championship was ultimately decided from the penalty spot. Thailand’s third attempt, taken by Sarach Yooyen, struck the post before Audero saved Nattapong Sayriya’s fourth penalty. Indonesia held their nerve to seal a 4-2 shootout victory and become the tournament’s first champions.
The triumph was celebrated in front of a sea of home supporters at GBK, with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and FIFA President Gianni Infantino among those watching the final. Earlier, Malaysia secured third place after beating Vietnam 1-0, completing the inaugural tournament on a winning note.
