Indonesia vs Malaysia: A Fierce ASEAN Derby in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026
The long-awaited ASEAN derby between Indonesia and Malaysia is set to take place once again. The two nations will meet in the second Group A match of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta, on Monday (28/9) evening WIB.
The Indonesia vs Malaysia clash is one of the most highly anticipated fixtures in the group stage of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. Alongside the pride and rivalry between the two neighboring nations, both teams are also targeting three points to strengthen their chances of progressing to the next round.
The upcoming encounter will also mark the first meeting between Indonesia and Malaysia since 2021. In their last meeting at the AFF Championship, the Garuda secured a convincing 4-1 victory over the Harimau Malaya on Malaysian soil.
However, Indonesia do not have a positive record when hosting Malaysia at SUGBK. The last time the two sides met at the stadium, Malaysia claimed a 2-0 victory in an AFC Asian Cup qualifier on November 19, 2019.
That history adds another layer of intrigue to Monday’s clash. Both teams will be determined to secure three points, not only for bragging rights but also to strengthen their chances of advancing from the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 group stage.
Indonesia and Malaysia both made winning starts to their FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 campaigns.
The Garuda defeated Singapore 2-0 in their opening match, with Ragnar Oratmangoen and Ole Romeny getting on the scoresheet.
Malaysia, meanwhile, produced an even more convincing result by beating Bangladesh 3-0.
Those results mean both teams currently have three points. Malaysia sit at the top of Group A thanks to their superior goal difference, while Indonesia occupy second place.
As a result, victory in the Indonesia vs Malaysia clash could prove crucial for either side as they look to maintain their position near the top of the group and boost their chances of reaching the next round.
The upcoming encounter also has an additional storyline compared to previous meetings. Both teams now feature several naturalized players who have added further quality to their respective squads.
Malaysia have been particularly active in adding players through the naturalization process. Manuel Hidalgo, Bergson, and Brad Tapp are among the naturalized players included in the Harimau Malaya squad for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026.
All three players made an immediate impact in Malaysia’s opening victory over Bangladesh.
Indonesia, meanwhile, also have several players with international football backgrounds under John Herdman. The combination of experienced players and naturalized talent should make the Indonesia vs Malaysia encounter an intense contest.
Predicted Lineups for Indonesia vs Malaysia
Indonesia (3-4-3): Maarten Paes; Rizky Ridho, Elkan Baggott, Justin Hubner; Kevin Diks, Calvin Verdonk; Thom Haye, Joey Pelupessy; Luke Vickery, Ragnar Oratmangoen, Ole Romeny.
Manager: John Herdman
Malaysia (4-2-3-1): Nadzli; Corbin-Ong, Brad Tapp, Cheng, Cools; Laine, Wilkin; Faisal, Manuel Hidalgo, Aiman; Bergson.
Manager: Tan Cheng Hoe
