Indonesia eye historic title as hosts of inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup
Indonesia are targeting a historic title on home soil as they prepare to host the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, a new competition designed to bring Southeast Asian football into a wider FIFA framework.
Indonesia will have the opportunity to make history when they host the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, with the national team targeting the title on home soil.
The competition is scheduled to begin later this month and will bring together 14 nations in FIFA’s new regional tournament, with Indonesia hosting Division 1 while Hong Kong, China stages Division 2. FIFA says the tournament is intended to strengthen football across the region while creating a regular international platform for ASEAN teams.
Indonesia’s ambitions have been strengthened by the return of several European-based players, giving the hosts greater quality as they prepare for the competition.
The tournament will also provide Indonesia with the chance to benefit from strong home support while facing familiar regional opposition. The hosts will be among the teams expected to challenge for the inaugural crown, although the competition will offer little room for complacency given the growing strength of Southeast Asian football.
Indonesia’s preparations have also attracted attention because the tournament comes after the country was confirmed as host, with Jakarta and West Java selected as key venues.
With the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup set to begin on September 24, Indonesia will hope their home advantage, squad depth and growing international experience can combine to deliver the first championship in the competition’s history.
