Jakarta, Indonesia – Persija Jakarta head coach Mauricio Souza has publicly expressed his pride following the announcement of the Indonesian national team squad for the upcoming FIFA Series 2026. A remarkable six players from the Jakarta-based club have been called up by national team manager John Herdman, marking Persija as the Super League team with the most representation in the squad.
The Indonesian national team is preparing to host the FIFA Series 2026, with matches scheduled to grab place at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) in Jakarta from March 27th to March 30th. As part of the preparations, Herdman initially named a provisional squad of 41 players, drawing from clubs both domestically, and internationally. Persija Jakarta significantly leads the contingent of domestic players selected.
The six Persija players selected for national team duty are Mauro Zijlstra, Witan Sulaeman, Jordi Amat, Rizky Ridho, Dony Tri Pamungkas, and Fajar Fathurrahman. The inclusion of several recent acquisitions to the Persija squad adds to the significance of this achievement for the club. Souza shared his thoughts during a press conference held ahead of Persija’s match against Dewa United on March 14th, 2026.
“Regarding the Persija players called up to the Indonesian national team, I reckon this is the biggest honor for a player,” Souza stated. “I believe representing the national team is the realization of a dream for many of them, and I truly hope they can achieve success.”
The sentiment reflects a broader sense of accomplishment for Persija Jakarta, demonstrating the quality of players the club has assembled. The call-ups are particularly noteworthy given that several of the selected players are modern additions to the team, signaling a swift integration and recognition of their talent at the national level. This influx of Persija players into the national team setup could potentially reshape the dynamics of the squad and offer new tactical options for coach Herdman.
Indonesia will face St. Kitts and Nevis in their opening match of the FIFA Series 2026 on March 27th, 2026, at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. The match is currently scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM local time (UTC+7). Should Indonesia secure a victory in their first match, they will advance to a subsequent fixture against the winner of the Bulgaria versus Solomon Islands match, scheduled for March 30th.
Souza emphasized the importance of the opportunity for his players, stating, “It’s a great reward for the players. I hope they are in good condition to fulfill that call, to be able to play in the national team. Because, in my opinion, it’s a big reward for a football player. It’s definitely a good dream to be able to play there.”
The significant representation from Persija Jakarta underscores the club’s growing influence within Indonesian football. The club’s commitment to developing and attracting talented players is clearly paying dividends, as evidenced by the national team recognition received by its players. This success is likely to further enhance Persija’s reputation and attract even more high-caliber players in the future.
For the Indonesian national team, the inclusion of these players from Persija Jakarta provides a valuable boost in quality and depth. Herdman will be looking to integrate these players seamlessly into the squad and leverage their individual strengths to achieve success in the FIFA Series 2026. The tournament presents a crucial opportunity for Indonesia to test its capabilities against international competition and build momentum for future qualifying campaigns.
The upcoming matches will be closely watched by football fans across Indonesia, as the nation rallies behind its team. The presence of a strong Persija Jakarta contingent in the squad is expected to generate significant excitement and support, further fueling the team’s ambition to perform well on the international stage.
As the team prepares for the challenges ahead, the focus will be on ensuring that all players are in peak condition and ready to contribute their best. The coaching staff will be working diligently to develop a cohesive game plan and foster a strong team spirit, maximizing the potential of the squad and striving for positive results in the FIFA Series 2026.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the Indonesian national team is their match against St. Kitts and Nevis on March 27th at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. Fans eager to follow the team’s progress can find official updates and further information on the official website of the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI).
What are your thoughts on the Indonesian national team squad? Share your predictions and comments below!
