Jakarta, Indonesia – As the 2026 FIFA Series approaches, a significant shake-up is anticipated for the Indonesian National Team under new head coach John Herdman. Reports suggest that Herdman is preparing to make tough decisions, possibly dropping up to four players from the current squad. This includes a prominent star from Persib Bandung and a recent acquisition for Persija Jakarta, signaling a potential shift in the team’s dynamics.
Indonesia has officially secured its role as a host nation for the 2026 FIFA Series, slated for March. This tournament marks a pivotal moment, serving as John Herdman’s debut at the helm of the Indonesian National Team since his official appointment. The FIFA Series, formerly known as the FIFA World Series, is an international invitational tournament designed to provide official status friendly matches for national teams across different confederations, with its inaugural edition held in 2024.
For the 2026 edition, Jakarta will host matches featuring the Indonesian National Team against three diverse opponents: Bulgaria from UEFA, the Solomon Islands from OFC, and St. kitts and Nevis from CONCACAF. This series represents a crucial prospect for Herdman,a British coach officially introduced to the public on Tuesday,January 13,2026,to assess his squad in a competitive international setting.
Currently,indonesia holds the 122nd position in the global FIFA rankings. Their opponents in the series are ranked as follows: Bulgaria at 88th, the Solomon Islands at 152nd, and St. Kitts and Nevis at 154th. These rankings provide a baseline for the challenges Herdman’s team will face.
Despite the impending roster changes, it’s expected that Herdman will largely maintain the core of the players called up for the initial stages. His primary objective appears to be a thorough evaluation of the existing talent pool. Herdman himself has indicated a proactive approach, stating, I’ve started communicating with the captains and some key leaders.
He further elaborated on his extensive outreach, mentioning, I’ve contacted over 60 players to let them know I’m hear, I’m observing and building a team within the team with Dr (Cesar) Meylan etc.
Though,the possibility remains that Herdman might opt to remove several players who have been consistent fixtures in the Indonesian national team. These decisions could stem from various factors, including injuries, dips in performance, or disciplinary reasons. Such moves would underscore Herdman’s commitment to building a team that meets his specific strategic vision.
While the full list of potential departures is yet to be confirmed,speculation is mounting. One prominent name reportedly on the chopping block is Thom Haye, a key player for the national team.
