JAKARTA – Indonesia national team head coach John Herdman has announced a 41-player preliminary squad for the upcoming FIFA Series 2026, set to take place at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta. The announcement, made Monday, March 9, 2026, marks the beginning of Herdman’s preparations for the international competition, with the final roster to be determined closer to the match dates.
The FIFA Series 2026 will kick off on March 27th, with Indonesia facing Saint Kitts and Nevis at the iconic Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. Bulgaria and the Solomon Islands will likewise compete on the same day, with the winners of both matches advancing to a final on March 30th. This tournament provides a crucial opportunity for Indonesia to test its squad against international opposition.
Herdman’s initial squad includes a strong contingent of players currently competing abroad, signaling a focus on leveraging talent from across the globe. Goalkeepers Emil Audero, who plays for UC Cremonese, and Maarten Paes of AFC Ajax, are both included in the preliminary list. The inclusion of these players adds depth and experience to the goalkeeping position.
Perhaps the most notable inclusion is the return of defender Elkan Baggott. The Ipswich Town player had been absent from the national team setup for a period, reportedly following a strained relationship with previous head coach Shin Tae-yong. His recall represents a potential turning point and adds a familiar face to the defensive line. Baggott’s physical presence and aerial ability will be valuable assets for Herdman’s team.
The squad also features several players from the 2025/2026 Super League season, demonstrating Herdman’s commitment to recognizing domestic talent. Cahya Supriadi, previously a mainstay for the Indonesia U23 team, has earned a call-up to the senior squad, alongside PSM Makassar’s Victor Dethan. This blend of youth and experience is a hallmark of Herdman’s approach.
Full Squad Breakdown
Here’s a gaze at the 41 players named by John Herdman:
Goalkeepers
- Emil Audero – UC Cremonese
- Maarten Paes – AFC Ajax
- Nadeo Argawinata – Borneo FC
- Cahya Supriadi – PSIM Yogyakarta
- Ernando Ari – Persebaya Surabaya
Defenders
- Jay Idzes – US Sassuolo
- Kevin Diks – Borussia Mönchengladbach
- Dean James – Go Ahead Eagles
- Elkan Baggott – Ipswich Town
- Justin Hubner – Fortuna Sittard
- Nathan Tjoe-A-On – Willem II
- Dony Tri Pamungkas
- Rizky Ridho
- Sandy Walsh
- Fajar Fathurrahman
- Muhammad Ferrari
- Yance Sayuri
Midfielders
- Calvin Verdonk
- Joey Pelupessy
- Eliano Reijnders
- Ivar Jenner
- Jordi Amat
- Marc Klok
- Ricky Kambuaya
- Witan Sulaeman
- Egy Maulana Vikri
- Tim Geypens
- Arkhan Fikri
- Ezra Walian
- Victor Dethan
Forwards
- Miliano Jonathans
- Ole Romeny
- Ragnar Oratmangoen
- Beckham Putra
- Mauro Zijlstra
- Ramadhan Sananta
- Yakob Sayuri
- Adrian Wibowo
- Hokky Caraka
- Jens Raven
- Stefano Lilipaly
It’s critical to note that this is a provisional squad. Herdman and his coaching staff will carefully evaluate each player during training camp before finalizing the team that will compete in the FIFA Series 2026. The upcoming weeks will be crucial for players to impress the coach and secure their place in the final lineup.
Indonesia’s opening match against Saint Kitts and Nevis is scheduled for 8:00 PM local time on March 27th. Bulgaria and the Solomon Islands will face off earlier that day at 3:30 PM. The winners will then meet in the final on March 30th at 8:00 PM, with the losing teams competing for third place at 3:30 PM. Fans across Indonesia will be eagerly anticipating these matches, hoping to see their national team perform well on home soil.
The return of Elkan Baggott is particularly intriguing, offering a potential boost to the team’s defensive solidity. His experience playing in England could prove invaluable. However, Miliano Jonathans’ reported injury is a concern, and his fitness will be closely monitored in the lead-up to the tournament.
Herdman’s squad selection demonstrates a clear intent to blend established players with emerging talents, creating a competitive environment within the team. The inclusion of players from both domestic and international leagues suggests a broad scouting network and a commitment to identifying the best possible players for the national team. This approach will be vital as Indonesia looks to craft a strong impression in the FIFA Series 2026.
The next confirmed checkpoint for Indonesian football fans is the final squad announcement, expected shortly before the start of the FIFA Series 2026. Keep an eye on official team channels for updates and further information.
What are your thoughts on Herdman’s squad selection? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below!