The Squad: Herdman’s 27 and the Road to 23

Herdman’s selection process began with an initial pool of 41 players during the FIFA Series earlier this year. That list was trimmed to 23, but for the June Matchday, the Canadian tactician has expanded the roster to 27—four of whom will be cut before the final squad is announced.

The expanded roster includes familiar names like midfielders Marc Klok and Thom Haye, winger Saddil Ramdani, and forward Witan Sulaeman. Seven additional players—Klok, Haye, Ramdani, Sulaeman, Fajar Fathurrahman, Shayne Pattynama, and Eksel Runtukahu—will join a training camp in Jakarta from May 26-30, with an eye on securing spots for the AFF Championship, which runs from July 24 to August 26, 2026.

Notable absences from the initial call-up include defenders Rizky Ridho and Beckham Putra, as well as midfielder Dony Tri Pamungkas, who have already secured their places in the AFF squad. Herdman’s approach suggests a blend of experience and fresh talent, with the final 23 expected to reflect form and fitness during the training camp.

Key Players to Watch

• Saddil Ramdani: The winger’s return to the national team has been confirmed after a strong club season. His pace and creativity will be vital against Oman’s defense.
• Marc Klok: The experienced midfielder provides leadership and set-piece expertise, a key asset in tight matches.
• Witan Sulaeman: The young forward has been in fine form, and his ability to stretch defenses could be crucial.

Schedule and Opponents: Oman Confirmed, Second Opponent TBA

The June 5 friendly against Oman is the headline fixture, but Indonesia’s full Matchday schedule remains partially unconfirmed. While Oman is locked in, the second opponent has yet to be announced. Speculation has swirled around potential matchups with regional rivals or higher-ranked teams to test Herdman’s squad, but no official confirmation has been made.

The match against Oman will kick off at 8:00 PM local time (1:00 PM UTC) at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, a venue with a capacity of over 77,000. Tickets are expected to go on sale in the coming weeks, with demand likely to be high given the team’s recent resurgence under Herdman.

Head-to-Head: Indonesia vs Oman

Indonesia and Oman have faced each other six times in international competition, with Indonesia holding a slight edge. The Garuda have won twice, drawn once, and lost three times. Their most recent meeting was a 1-1 draw in 2023, a result that highlighted Indonesia’s growing competitiveness in the region.

Oman, currently ranked higher than Indonesia in the FIFA rankings, presents a stern test. The Red Warriors are known for their disciplined defense and quick counterattacks, making this a valuable opportunity for Herdman to assess his squad’s tactical flexibility.

Stakes and Context: Why This Match Matters

This June Matchday serves as a critical bridge between the FIFA Series and the AFF Championship. For Herdman, it’s an opportunity to finalize his tactical approach, test new combinations, and gauge player fitness ahead of the regional tournament.

Indonesia’s recent performances have sparked optimism among fans. Under Herdman, the team has shown improved organization and attacking fluidity, culminating in a strong showing during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The friendly against Oman offers a chance to build on that momentum, particularly as the team prepares to host the AFF Championship later this summer.

For Oman, the match is equally essential. The Gulf nation is using the June window to fine-tune its squad ahead of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. A strong performance against Indonesia would boost their confidence and provide valuable match practice.

Tactical Keys: What to Watch

• Midfield Battle: Oman’s physical midfield will test Indonesia’s ability to control possession and dictate tempo. Players like Thom Haye and Marc Klok will need to step up.
• Defensive Organization: Herdman has emphasized a compact defensive shape. Oman’s quick transitions could expose any lapses in concentration.
• Set-Piece Threat: Both teams possess players capable of delivering dangerous set pieces. Expect Klok and Saddil Ramdani to be key figures in dead-ball situations.

What’s Next: The Road to the AFF Championship

The June Matchday is just the beginning of a busy summer for Indonesia. Following the friendly against Oman, the team will return to training camp to prepare for the AFF Championship, which kicks off on July 24. Indonesia is drawn in Group A alongside Thailand, the Philippines, and Singapore, with the top two teams advancing to the knockout stages.

Herdman’s squad selection for the AFF Championship will be heavily influenced by performances in the June friendlies. The training camp in late May will serve as a final audition for fringe players, with the final 23-man roster expected to be announced in early July.

For fans, the June 5 match against Oman is a chance to see the team in action before the AFF Championship. With tickets likely to sell out quickly, securing seats early is recommended. The match will also be broadcast live on national television and streaming platforms.