Indonesia reach FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 final: A 9-2 win over Bangladesh but Thailand are the real test

The final whistle at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium had barely faded when the scoreboard showed 9-2. Indonesia had just produced the most emphatic victory of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 semi-finals. Mitchell Baker scored five goals, while Rizky Ridho, Justin Hubner, Luke Vickery and Kevin Diks also found the net. John Herdman quickly warned against complacency, saying this was only one step. Indonesia finished top of Group A above Malaysia on goal difference. Their opponent in the final is Thailand, scheduled for October 5, 2026. The scoreline is impressive, but Thailand are not Bangladesh. Indonesia conceded two goals against a much weaker side, exposing a defensive fragility that Thailand will surely target. The tactical challenge is clear: if Indonesia press too high, Thailand can exploit the space behind; if they sit too deep, Thailand will control the match. Herdman must find a balance. Off the pitch, Mitchell Baker has also been dealing with online abuse, forcing his coach to publicly protect him. That pressure could affect a young striker in a final. The real question is not how many goals Indonesia scored in the semi-final, but how they react when Thailand deny them space. This is a completely different test. Indonesia have every reason to believe they can win, especially with strong home support. Yet history shows that big wins over weaker opponents often create a false sense of security. The final will be decided by discipline, defensive organisation and mental strength. Herdman knows this, which is why he has tried to keep the team grounded. The 9-2 win is a statement, but the real statement must come in the final.