/data/photo/2025/10/09/68e7031394219.jpeg?ssl=1 "Timnas Indonesia Arrives at Hotel, Welcomed by John Herdman Ahead of FIFA Series 2026 vs Saint Kitts and Nevis")
JAKARTA, Indonesia – The Indonesian national team is preparing for its first match in the FIFA Series 2026, a Friday night encounter against Saint Kitts and Nevis at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta. A wave of players began arriving at the Fairmont Hotel on Monday, March 23, 2026, to begin preparations for the international friendly, receiving a warm welcome from head coach John Herdman and his staff.
The arrival of the players was documented and shared on the official Instagram account of the Indonesian national team. Video footage shows members of the final 24-man squad checking into the hotel, greeted personally by Herdman, who took a moment to speak with each player upon their arrival. The atmosphere was described as positive and focused as the team begins to coalesce ahead of the important fixture.
This FIFA Series match represents a significant first step for Herdman as he takes the helm of the Indonesian national team. Appointed earlier this year, the Englishman is tasked with building a competitive squad capable of challenging for a place at future World Cups, with the 2030 tournament a stated long-term goal. The match against Saint Kitts and Nevis provides a crucial opportunity to assess his players and begin implementing his tactical vision.
Baggott’s Return Draws Attention
Among those arriving at the team hotel, the return of Elkan Baggott has generated considerable excitement. The Ipswich Town defender is rejoining the national team setup after a more than two-year absence, last featuring for the Garuda at the 2023 Asian Cup. Baggott’s presence adds a valuable dimension to the squad and his arrival was met with enthusiasm from both the coaching staff and fellow players.
Alongside Baggott, several players from the Indonesian Super League – including Eliano Reijnders, Beckham Putra, Rizky Ridho, Nadeo Argawinata, Cahya Supriadi, and Ivar Jenner – were similarly among those arriving at the hotel. This blend of domestic-based and diaspora players reflects Herdman’s commitment to utilizing all available talent as he builds his squad.
Prior to the players’ arrival, Sumardji, Chairman of the National Team (BTN), outlined the phased arrival schedule. Players competing in the Indonesian Super League began arriving on March 22nd, while those based overseas were scheduled to join the squad between March 23rd, and 24th. The entire squad is expected to be assembled by March 24th, providing three days of preparation before the match against Saint Kitts and Nevis.
“The local players arrived on March 22nd. The diaspora players will arrive from March 23rd-24th. All players will be together on March 24th,” Sumardji stated on Thursday, March 19th, 2026.
Herdman initially called up 41 players for the preliminary squad before trimming it down to the final 24 for the FIFA Series 2026. This selection process underscores the competitive nature of the squad and the coach’s desire to identify the players best suited to his system.
The upcoming match against Saint Kitts and Nevis is part of a four-nation tournament also featuring Bulgaria and the Solomon Islands. The tournament will follow a knockout format, with the semi-finals and final taking place at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. Indonesia will face either Bulgaria or the Solomon Islands in the second round, depending on the results of the first-round matches.
The appointment of John Herdman has generated a sense of optimism among Indonesian football fans. His previous experience coaching both the Canadian and New Zealand national teams, coupled with his stated ambition to develop a competitive Indonesian squad, has been well-received. Herdman has emphasized the importance of patience, cultural understanding, and collective support as he embarks on this new chapter with the Indonesian national team.
Former Indonesian national team coach Ivan Kolev recently expressed his enthusiasm for the FIFA Series 2026 and urged Herdman to prioritize players from the domestic Super League. Kolev believes that giving opportunities to local talent is crucial for the development of Indonesian football. This sentiment reflects a broader desire within the country to see more domestic players feature prominently in the national team.
As the Indonesian team prepares for its first match under Herdman, the focus is on building a strong foundation for future success. The FIFA Series 2026 provides a valuable opportunity to test the team’s capabilities, assess player performance, and begin implementing Herdman’s tactical approach. The match against Saint Kitts and Nevis is set to be a pivotal moment for Indonesian football, marking the start of a new era under a new coach.
The team will continue training at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in the days leading up to the match, fine-tuning their preparations and building team cohesion. Fans are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to witness the Indonesian national team in action and support their squad as they embark on this exciting journey.
The match against Saint Kitts and Nevis is scheduled for Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta. Kick-off is at 7:00 PM local time (11:00 AM UTC). Fans are encouraged to attend the match and show their support for the Indonesian national team.
What’s next for the Indonesian national team? Following the match against Saint Kitts and Nevis, the team will await their opponent in the next round of the FIFA Series 2026, depending on the outcome of the other semi-final match. The tournament will provide valuable experience and insights as Herdman continues to build his squad and prepare for future challenges.
