The Garuda Baru team representing Indonesia won the 2026 Street Child World Cup (SCWC) in the Boys Shield category in Mexico City, Mexico, on Thursday evening local time.
According to a press release received in Jakarta on Friday, Indonesia secured the title after defeating Argentina 3-2 in a penalty shootout in the final, after the two teams had drawn 1-1 in normal time.
The final match was tight from the start of the match, which was played in two halves of eight minutes each.
Indonesia took the lead through Raehan Alfarezi's goal in the sixth minute of the first half. Argentina then equalized in the eighth minute of the second half, sending the match to a penalty shootout.
In the deciding round, Raehan Alfarezi, Aryo Topan Artha Gading, and Deno Mazra Rasyid successfully carried out their duties as penalty takers.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Samuel Steven Siagian became the winner after successfully deflecting the Argentine player's final shot and ensuring Indonesia emerged as champions.
In the final match, Garuda Baru fielded Samuel Steven Siagian as goalkeeper, Deno Mazra Rasyid and Aryo Topan Artha Gading in defense, and Danar Saputra, Dino Siswanto, and Izul Hamid in the midfield.
Raehan Alfarezi is trusted to spearhead the attack, while Rizki Firmansyah, Javasha, and Mohamad Azriel Aliansyah are on the bench.
This victory is a historic achievement for Garuda Baru and surpasses Indonesia's previous best achievement in the SCWC event.
At the 2018 SCWC Russia, the Indonesian men's team advanced to the semifinals. Meanwhile, at the 2026 SCWC, Garuda Baru successfully took home the Boys' Shield title.
The New Garuda Team's participation in the 2026 SCWC also received government support. The Indonesian Ministry of Defense fully supported the team's participation in this international event.
This support emphasizes that children's participation in SCWC is not an end in itself, but rather part of a long-term effort to open access to a better future through education, self-development, and character building.
