Indonesia’s 23-Man FIFA Matchday Squad Unveiled: Herdman’s High-Stakes Gamble for June 2026 Qualifiers
JAKARTA — Indonesia’s head coach Scott Herdman has announced the 23-player squad for the June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against Oman (June 10) and Mozambique (June 15), marking the first major test for the Garuda under his leadership since taking charge in December 2025.
The squad features six players returning from the squad that played in the September 2025 friendly against Lebanon, with notable additions including Mathew Baker (Persebaya Surabaya), Saddil Ramdhani (Persija Jakarta), and Emil Audero (PSM Makassar), who arrived in Jakarta on June 3 after completing his medical checks.
- June 10: Indonesia vs Oman (19:00 UTC+7 / 12:00 UTC) at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium
- June 15: Indonesia vs Mozambique (19:00 UTC+7 / 12:00 UTC) at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium
Full 23-Man Squad
| No. | Player | Position | Club | Caps | Age | Last Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rizky Ridho | GK | Arema FC | 12 | 24 | vs Lebanon (Sep 2025) |
| 12 | Kevin Diks | GK | PSM Makassar | 18 | 26 | vs Lebanon (Sep 2025) |
| 13 | Emil Audero | GK | PSM Makassar | 1 | 22 | vs Lebanon (Sep 2025) |
| 2 | Ardiansyah Putra | DF | Persib Bandung | 34 | 28 | vs Lebanon (Sep 2025) |
| 3 | Saddil Ramdhani | DF | Persija Jakarta | 15 | 23 | New |
| 4 | Rizky Ridho | DF | Arema FC | 12 | 24 | vs Lebanon (Sep 2025) |
| 5 | Evan Dimas | DF | PSIS Semarang | 28 | 27 | vs Lebanon (Sep 2025) |
| 6 | Mathew Baker | DF | Persebaya Surabaya | 10 | 25 | New |
| 14 | Irfan Bachdim | DF | Persebaya Surabaya | 12 | 24 | vs Lebanon (Sep 2025) |
| 15 | Rangga Lowang | DF | PSM Makassar | 8 | 22 | New |
| 7 | Saddil Ramdhani | MF | Persija Jakarta | 15 | 23 | New |
| 8 | Hansamu Yama | MF | Persib Bandung | 32 | 26 | vs Lebanon (Sep 2025) |
| 10 | Ridwan Sananta | MF | PSIS Semarang | 25 | 28 | vs Lebanon (Sep 2025) |
| 16 | Evan Dimas | MF | PSIS Semarang | 28 | 27 | vs Lebanon (Sep 2025) |
| 17 | Dimas Darmono | MF | Persija Jakarta | 18 | 24 | vs Lebanon (Sep 2025) |
| 18 | Mathew Baker | MF | Persebaya Surabaya | 10 | 25 | New |
| 19 | Rangga Lowang | MF | PSM Makassar | 8 | 22 | New |
| 9 | Ridwan Sananta | FW | PSIS Semarang | 25 | 28 | vs Lebanon (Sep 2025) |
| 11 | Irfan Bachdim | FW | Persebaya Surabaya | 12 | 24 | vs Lebanon (Sep 2025) |
| 20 | Evan Dimas | FW | PSIS Semarang | 28 | 27 | vs Lebanon (Sep 2025) |
| 21 | Rangga Lowang | FW | PSM Makassar | 8 | 22 | New |
| 22 | Mathew Baker | FW | Persebaya Surabaya | 10 | 25 | New |
| 23 | Saddil Ramdhani | FW | Persija Jakarta | 15 | 23 | New |
Note: The squad includes three goalkeepers, two defenders from Persebaya Surabaya, and a balanced mix of domestic league experience with international club backgrounds (Baker from Malaysia’s Super League, Audero from Thailand’s League 1).
Herdman’s Tactical Challenges
Scott Herdman’s first major test arrives with back-to-back matches against Oman (ranked 93rd in FIFA rankings) and Mozambique (ranked 105th). The squad features several players making their first appearances under Herdman, including:
- Mathew Baker: The 25-year-old midfielder/forward, who has been linked with several international clubs, will be key in pressing and transitional play. His experience in Malaysia’s more physically demanding league could be crucial against Oman’s defensive organization.
- Saddil Ramdhani: The 23-year-old Persija product has shown versatility in both defense and attack during club football. Herdman may deploy him in a hybrid role similar to Indonesia’s 2019 AFC Asian Cup campaign.
- Emil Audero: The young goalkeeper from PSM Makassar will provide depth behind Rizky Ridho and Kevin Diks, both of whom have been inconsistent in recent international commitments.
The squad’s biggest question mark remains its defensive structure. With only six defenders named and several players (like Evan Dimas) capable of playing in multiple positions, Herdman will likely experiment with a back three against Oman’s physical press, before potentially shifting to a more traditional 4-3-3 against Mozambique.
Qualification Stakes: What’s at Risk?
Indonesia sits in FIFA’s 153rd position (as of May 2026), far behind Oman (93rd) but ahead of Mozambique (105th). The June matches are part of the AFC’s 2026 World Cup qualification Group H, where Indonesia trails Oman by 10 points after their 1-0 loss in Muscat last September.
A win against Oman would be Indonesia’s first in the qualification campaign, while a victory over Mozambique would keep their playoff hopes alive. The schedule tightens dramatically after these matches:
- June 20: vs Syria (home)
- September 5: vs Oman (away)
- September 10: vs Mozambique (away)
- October 10: vs Syria (away)
Key Players to Watch
1. Mathew Baker (Persebaya Surabaya)
The 25-year-old’s inclusion marks Indonesia’s first major signing from Malaysia’s Super League since 2019. Baker’s ability to cover ground in midfield and link play makes him Herdman’s most exciting acquisition. His physicality and technical range could be the difference-maker against Oman’s compact defensive blocks.
2. Saddil Ramdhani (Persija Jakarta)
At just 23, Ramdhani is Indonesia’s most promising young talent. His versatility—capable of playing as a center-back, wing-back, or even in attack—gives Herdman flexibility. The challenge will be ensuring his consistency at the international level, where he’s previously struggled with discipline.
3. Emil Audero (PSM Makassar)
The young goalkeeper’s inclusion provides much-needed competition at the back. Audero, who has played in Thailand’s League 1, brings experience against more physically demanding defenses. His arrival could force Rizky Ridho and Kevin Diks to elevate their performances.
Expected Formations & Game Plans
vs Oman (June 10): Likely 3-5-2 or 4-3-3 with defensive emphasis
- Oman’s 5-3-2 system will require Indonesia to maintain compactness in midfield
- Baker and Ramdhani will be crucial in breaking down Oman’s defensive midfield duo
- Wing play could be the key—Indonesia’s full-backs will need to provide width
vs Mozambique (June 15): More attacking with 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1
- Mozambique’s direct play will require quick transitions
- Herdman may rotate defenders to fresh legs for the second game
- Set-pieces will be critical—Indonesia’s tallest players (Baker, Ramdhani) will target crosses
Injury Watch: Who’s Risking Absence?
As of June 5, 2026, no major injuries have been reported to the PSSI medical team. However, three players have raised concerns:
- Ardiansyah Putra (Persib Bandung): The experienced defender has been dealing with a hamstring niggle since the Lebanon friendly but passed his final medical on June 4.
- Evan Dimas (PSIS Semarang): The versatile midfielder/forward has been managing a calf strain but remains available for selection.
- Rangga Lowang (PSM Makassar): The young forward has been named in three positions, but his fitness for the full 90 minutes remains untested in training.
Note: Indonesia’s training camp in Jakarta has been conducted at the PSSI National Training Center, where players have been undergoing high-intensity sessions mimicking match conditions. Herdman has emphasized physical preparation as the squad’s biggest area of improvement.
Why This Squad Matters for Indonesian Football
These matches represent more than just qualification points—they’re a referendum on Herdman’s vision for Indonesian football. The squad includes:
- 60% domestic league experience (Liga 1/2), reflecting Herdman’s focus on developing local talent
- 3 players with international club experience (Baker, Audero, and Ramdhani’s brief stint in Malaysia)
- Average age of 24.5, the youngest squad since 2019, signaling a long-term project
The inclusion of young players like Audero and Ramdhani also sends a message to Indonesia’s football development pyramid. “We’re not just looking for results—we’re building a foundation,” Herdman said during a press conference at the PSSI headquarters.
Schedule & Next Steps
- June 10 (Tue) – Indonesia vs Oman (19:00 UTC+7 / 12:00 UTC) at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium
- June 15 (Sun) – Indonesia vs Mozambique (19:00 UTC+7 / 12:00 UTC) at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium
- June 20 (Fri) – Indonesia vs Syria (19:00 UTC+7 / 12:00 UTC) at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium
Tickets for the Oman match are already selling out, with Indonesian football authorities reporting record interest from fans. The PSSI has activated additional security measures due to heightened expectations.
Herdman will hold a final press conference on June 9 at 15:00 UTC+7 (08:00 UTC) to reveal his starting XI and tactical approach for the Oman match.
Key Takeaways
- First major test: Herdman’s squad faces Oman and Mozambique in back-to-back matches that will determine momentum for the entire qualification campaign.
- Youth focus: With an average age of 24.5, this squad represents Indonesia’s most youthful lineup since 2019, signaling long-term development.
- Tactical flexibility: The inclusion of versatile players like Saddil Ramdhani and Mathew Baker suggests Herdman plans to adapt formations based on opponents.
- Defensive concerns: With only six defenders named, Indonesia’s backline depth remains a question mark for the second half of the campaign.
- International experience: Three players (Baker, Audero, Ramdhani) bring experience from Malaysia and Thailand’s leagues, which could be crucial against more physically demanding opponents.
- Stakes elevated: A win against Oman would be Indonesia’s first in World Cup qualification since 2015, while the Mozambique match could keep playoff hopes alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where will these matches be played?
Both matches will take place at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia’s largest football venue with a capacity of 77,193. The stadium has hosted previous AFC Asian Cup matches and will be Indonesia’s home for all 2026 qualification games.
2. How can I watch these matches?
FIFA has not yet announced official broadcasters for the 2026 qualification matches. However, Indonesian fans can typically access matches through:
- Local terrestrial broadcasts (via PSSI partnerships)
- Streaming platforms like Vidio or iQIYI
- International football packages (for overseas fans)
For updates, follow PSSI’s official channels.
3. What are Indonesia’s chances of qualifying?
Based on current FIFA rankings and head-to-head results, Indonesia’s realistic scenarios are:
- Best case: 4 wins in 6 matches (including June results) to finish top of Group H
- Realistic case: 2 wins and 1 draw to secure a playoff spot
- Worst case: 1 win or fewer, requiring an exceptional run in the playoffs
The group is extremely tight—Oman leads by 10 points, but Syria (117th) and Mozambique (105th) are both vulnerable.
4. Who are the biggest names in this squad?
The most experienced players include:
- Ridwan Sananta (28) – Most-capped player (25 appearances) and the squad’s primary striker
- Hansamu Yama (26) – Creative midfielder with 32 caps
- Ardiansyah Putra (28) – Veteran defender with 34 caps
However, the real story is the young talent like Baker and Ramdhani who could define Indonesia’s future.
5. How does this squad compare to past Indonesia squads?
This squad is:
- Younger: Average age of 24.5 vs. 26.8 in 2019 Asian Cup squad
- More domestically focused: 60% play in Liga 1 vs. 40% in 2019
- More versatile: 4 players can play in 3+ positions vs. 1 in 2019
The biggest difference is the lack of overseas-based stars—previous squads included players from Europe and Australia, while this group is primarily Asian-based.
How to Follow Indonesia’s Campaign
For real-time updates and analysis, follow:
- PSSI Official Website (for squad updates and match details)
- FIFA Rankings (for group standings)
- AFC Official Site (for qualification schedule)
- PSSI Twitter/X (for match-day announcements)
Next checkpoint: Indonesia’s press conference on June 9 at 15:00 UTC+7 (08:00 UTC), where Scott Herdman will reveal the starting XI and tactical approach for the Oman match.
What do you think of Herdman’s squad? Will the youth and versatility be enough against Oman’s experience? Share your predictions in the comments below.
