Jakarta – Indonesia’s new national team manager, John Herdman, has revealed the reasoning behind his selection of Elkan Baggott for the upcoming FIFA Series 2026. The coach expressed high hopes for the Ipswich Town defender, signaling a potential turning point for the Garuda squad.
Herdman included Baggott in the final 24-man squad for the FIFA Series 2026, offering the 23-year-old a chance to return to international duty after last appearing for Indonesia in May 2024. The upcoming matches represent Herdman’s debut at the helm of the Indonesian national team, following his successful tenure with the Canadian national team, where he led them to their first World Cup appearance in 36 years.
While some speculated a shared British background might be the primary factor in Herdman’s decision, the coach emphasized Baggott’s significant potential. “Because he’s seven feet tall,” Herdman joked with reporters on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. “No, I’m kidding. Because I think Elkan, I had the opportunity to witness him play for Indonesia before, and I was very impressed.”
Herdman highlighted Baggott’s experience playing in the English Championship as a key asset. “He plays in the English Championship. He trains with an intensity that, for me, is at a very high level. So I hope he can bring that professionalism here,” Herdman added. The manager clearly believes Baggott’s experience in a competitive league will elevate the standards within the national team setup.
Baggott’s youth was also a factor in his selection. At 23, he is seen as a key part of the future of Indonesian football. “He is a young player. I think he is the future of the national team. And I hope he delivers a great performance in these two matches,” Herdman stated. This emphasis on building for the future suggests a long-term vision for the Indonesian national team under Herdman’s leadership.
The Indonesian national team will face Saint Kitts and Nevis in their first FIFA Series match at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (SUGBK) in Jakarta on March 27th. They will then face either Bulgaria or the Solomon Islands on March 30th. These matches are crucial for Herdman to assess his squad and begin implementing his tactical approach.
Herdman’s appointment and Baggott’s return signal a new era for Indonesian football. PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir expressed confidence in Herdman’s ability to revitalize the team, citing his track record of building successful national teams. The hope is that Herdman can replicate his success with Canada and bring a new level of competitiveness to the Indonesian national team, particularly as they look ahead to the 2026 AFF Championship.
The inclusion of both experienced overseas players like Baggott and domestic talent – the squad consists of 14 players based abroad and 10 from the Indonesian league – demonstrates Herdman’s commitment to building a balanced and competitive squad. The final roster was trimmed down from an initial list of 41 players, indicating a rigorous selection process focused on identifying the best talent available.
Notably absent from the final squad are goalkeeper Ernando Ari and several other players including Muhammad Ferarri, Fajar Fathurrahman, Yance Sayuri, Marc Klok, Ricky Kambuaya, Witan Sulaeman, Egy Maulana Vikri, Ezra Walian, Stefano Lilipaly, and Hokky Caraka. These omissions highlight the difficult decisions Herdman faced in finalizing the squad, prioritizing players he believes will best contribute to his tactical vision.
Elkan Baggott’s recent form with Ipswich Town will be closely watched. While he has seen limited playing time for the Blues this season, making only two cup appearances, he has been on the bench for recent Championship matches. Manager Kieran McKenna even indicated Baggott was close to starting in a recent match against Millwall, suggesting he is highly regarded within his club. This suggests Baggott is maintaining a high level of fitness and readiness for international competition.
The upcoming FIFA Series matches are not just a debut for Herdman, but also a significant opportunity for Baggott to re-establish himself as a key player for the Indonesian national team. His return to the squad is expected to bolster the defense, particularly against physically imposing opponents. The combination of Herdman’s tactical expertise and Baggott’s potential could prove to be a formidable force for Indonesia as they navigate the challenges ahead.
Indonesia’s fans will be eager to see how Herdman utilizes Baggott within his system and whether the defender can live up to the coach’s expectations. The matches against Saint Kitts and Nevis and either Bulgaria or the Solomon Islands will provide a crucial first glimpse into the future of Indonesian football under new leadership.
The matches are scheduled to kick off at 7:30 PM local time (UTC+7) at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. Fans are encouraged to attend and support the team as they embark on this new chapter. The atmosphere at the stadium is expected to be electric, with a large turnout anticipated for Herdman’s debut.
Following the FIFA Series, the Indonesian national team will continue preparations for the 2026 AFF Championship, with Herdman likely to experiment with different formations and player combinations to find the optimal setup. The focus will be on building a cohesive and competitive team capable of challenging for regional honors.
The return of Elkan Baggott and the arrival of John Herdman have undoubtedly generated excitement among Indonesian football fans. The upcoming matches offer a tantalizing glimpse into the potential of the national team under new leadership, and supporters will be hoping for a positive start to this new era.
Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the Indonesian national team and the FIFA Series 2026.
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