Ahead of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, the soaring market value of the Indonesia national football team has captured the attention of regional opponents, with Malaysian media outlet Berita Harian highlighting that the squad’s valuation reaches approximately Rp401 billion.
Valuation Gap Stuns Regional Media Ahead of Group A Clash
According to reports from Berita Harian, Indonesia’s estimated market value of Rp401 billion stands nearly equal to half the combined total of all four teams in the group.
By comparison, Malaysia’s squad is valued at approximately Rp156 billion, while Bangladesh sits at roughly Rp149 billion, and Singapore rounds out the group at around Rp93,9 billion. Despite the wide margins, Berita Harian noted that market figures remain mere pre-match statistics that do not automatically dictate outcomes on the pitch.
European-Based Stars Drive Squad Valuation
The high valuation of the Garuda squad is heavily anchored by a core group of players plying their trade in competitive European leagues. Under the technical direction of head coach John Herdman, Indonesia has integrated several high-profile abroad players into its ranks for the tournament’s inaugural edition.
Key European-based names bolstering the lineup include Calvin Verdonk, Kevin Diks, Justin Hubner, Ole Romeny, and Nathan Tjoe-A-On. Their inclusion provides considerable technical depth, though the team will have to handle upcoming challenges without captain Jay Idzes. The Sassuolo player is sidelined after sustaining a left front thigh muscle injury.
Malaysia Prepares for High-Stakes Battle in Jakarta
Malaysia approaches the fixture fully aware of the financial and structural differences between the two squads. Harimau Malaya head coach Tan Cheng Hoe emphasized that his team refuses to travel merely as participants.
Indonesia and Malaysia are scheduled to meet in their second Group A match at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) in Jakarta on Monday, September 28, 2026. Security forces have prepared special measures for the fixture, with approximately 600 Malaysian supporters expected to make the trip to the stadium.
