Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Kevin Diks captains Indonesia to FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 glory
Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Kevin Diks captained Indonesia to the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, claiming their first piece of silverware in 35 years after overcoming Thailand on penalties.
In a dramatic four-goal final thriller, Dean James fired Indonesia into an 84th-minute lead before Iklas Sanron leveled proceedings three minutes later. Peeradol Chamrasamee then struck the go-ahead goal for Thailand in the 110th minute before Elkan Baggott sent the game to penalties with a late equaliser.
In front of more than 70,000 spectators, Diks - who has been ever-present in the Bundesliga this season - set the tone by converting his country’s first spot kick with confidence, into the bottom corner as the 118th-ranked nation defeated their southeast Asian counterparts 4-2 on penalties.
“This is a proud moment for Indonesia. It’s the first trophy in history,” said Indonesia head coach John Herdman.
“That’s our mission. No matter how long it takes, the only thing that matters is lifting the trophy for all of you, for this country, and making you proud.”
Watch: Get to know Gladbach's Kevin Diks
Gladbach's Diks led his side to their first trophy since picking up gold at the SEA Games in 1991 after wins against Singapore (2-0) and Bangladesh (9-2), either side of a 0-0 draw against Malaysia, saw Indonesia advance as Group A winners to secure their final berth against Thailand.
The 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup was the first edition of a new tournament for national teams in Southeast Asia, similar in concept to the existing ASEAN Championship but with the stipulation that clubs must release players to compete, as it was held in an official international window.
