Reunion with Coach Shin Tae Yong, what does the top Indonesian football official say?

The meeting with Coach Shin Tae Yong during the 2026 AFC U23 U23 qualifiers is attracting special interest. Ahead of this event, PSSI officials have voiced their enthusiasm for this captivating confrontation.

Sumardji, Chairman of the National Team Committee (BTN) of PSSI, shared interesting comments regarding the possibility that Indonesia’s U23 team will face Coach Shin Tae Yong in the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers. The tournament will take place from September 3 to 9 at Gelora Delta Stadium, Sidoarjo. Indonesia’s U23 squad is in Group J alongside South Korea U23, Macau U23, and Laos U23. The most anticipated match by fans is the clash between Indonesia U23 and South Korea U23 on September 9.

Previously, Coach Shin Tae Yong, who once led the Indonesian national team, revealed that the Korea Football Association (KFA) appointed him to coach the South Korea U23 team for this qualifying round. He disclosed this information in an interview on Jeong Seok Seo’s (Jeje) YouTube channel, who was his former interpreter in Indonesia. However, this statement was made before he accepted the role of head coach at Ulsan Hyundai FC.

Speaking to local media on August 24 in Jakarta, Mr. Sumardji showed enthusiasm: “I just heard from reporters that Coach Shin will be leading South Korea U23. If that’s true, it’s fine, we’ll meet again. He’s on one side, I’m on the other. Meeting is good.”

He emphasized that sportsmanship and national pride are what truly matter: “We will demonstrate that football values fair play, and the greatest motivation is to defend our national honor.”

Meanwhile, PSSI Executive Committee member Arya Sinulingga also affirmed that the Indonesia U23 team is ready to face any opponent: “It’s no problem at all. Once we participate, we must be prepared to face any team. It’s even better to face strong opponents to prove our abilities.”

According to the plan, Indonesia U23 will start training in Surabaya from August 25 to 31. Coach Gerald Vanenburg’s squad will play three matches in Group J: against Laos U23 (September 3), Macau U23 (September 6), and conclude with the match against South Korea U23 (September 9).

With high expectations from fans, the match between Indonesia U23 and South Korea U23 promises not only to be a decisive game for qualification but also a “fateful reunion” with Coach Shin Tae Yong, who left a strong mark on Indonesian football.