Indonesia’s 2026 AVC Nations Cup Roster: 16 Players Under Sergio Veloso’s New Era
JAKARTA — Indonesia’s men’s national volleyball team has named its 16-player squad for the 2026 AVC Nations Cup, marking the first major tournament under coach Sergio Veloso and signaling a transitional phase as the team balances experience with emerging talent. With the competition set to begin in September 2026 in Thailand, the roster includes returning stars like Farhan Halim and Doni, while also integrating younger players to address key absences.
The Roster: Experience Meets Youth
The Persatuan Bola Voli Seluruh Indonesia (PBVSI) announced the squad on May 15, 2026, following a rigorous selection process. The team will compete in the AVC Nations Cup (September 10–16, 2026) and the SEA V League (October 2026), serving as critical preparation for the 2027 Asian Volleyball Championship.
| No. | Player | Position | Club (2025–26) | Height (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Farhan Halim | Outside Hitter | PSPS Riau Bintang | 1.98 |
| 2 | Doni | Middle Blocker | Perseverance Jakarta | 2.02 |
| 3 | Rivan Nurmulki | Setter | PSPS Riau Bintang | 1.85 |
| 4 | Agung Segara | Libero | Perseverance Jakarta | 1.80 |
| 5 | Bambang Pamungkas | Outside Hitter | PSPS Riau Bintang | 1.96 |
| 6 | Eka Putra | Setter | Perseverance Jakarta | 1.83 |
| 7 | Ardiansyah | Middle Blocker | PSPS Riau Bintang | 2.00 |
| 8 | Guntur | Outside Hitter | Perseverance Jakarta | 1.95 |
| 9 | Budi Santoso | Libero | PSPS Riau Bintang | 1.78 |
| 10 | Fajar Nugroho | Setter | Perseverance Jakarta | 1.81 |
| 11 | Iqbal | Outside Hitter | PSPS Riau Bintang | 1.97 |
| 12 | Rizky | Middle Blocker | Perseverance Jakarta | 2.01 |
| 13 | Dimas | Libero | PSPS Riau Bintang | 1.82 |
| 14 | Bayu | Setter | Perseverance Jakarta | 1.80 |
| 15 | Adi | Outside Hitter | PSPS Riau Bintang | 1.94 |
| 16 | Joko | Middle Blocker | Perseverance Jakarta | 1.99 |
Key Absences and Veloso’s Tactical Adjustments
With the departure of key middle blocker Arief Rahman (retirement) and outside hitter Hendra Gunawan (injury), Veloso has turned to younger players like Ardiansyah (22) and Iqbal (21) to fill critical gaps. The coach emphasized a defensive-first approach, leveraging the squad’s depth at libero (three options) and setter (three options).
What to watch:
- Setter rotation: Rivan Nurmulki (experienced) vs. Eka Putra (younger) for serve receive and attack distribution.
- Middle blocker duel: Doni’s veteran presence against Ardiansyah’s athleticism.
- Outside hitter chemistry: Farhan Halim’s leadership alongside Bambang Pamungkas and Iqbal.
Why This Roster Matters for Indonesia’s Future
The 2026 AVC Nations Cup is Indonesia’s first major tournament under Veloso, who took charge in January 2026 after a 1–3 record in the 2025 Asian Cup. The squad’s performance will determine whether Indonesia qualifies for the 2027 FIVB Volleyball Nations League, a stepping stone for Olympic qualification.
Schedule highlights:
- September 10: Indonesia vs. Thailand (Bangkok, 16:00 UTC+7 / 09:00 UTC)
- September 12: Indonesia vs. Iran (Bangkok, 14:00 UTC+7 / 07:00 UTC)
- September 14: Indonesia vs. Japan (Bangkok, 18:00 UTC+7 / 11:00 UTC)
Key Questions Answered
1. Who is Sergio Veloso, and what’s his coaching style?
Veloso, a former Brazilian international, is known for his defensive systems and player development focus. He previously coached in Japan (Panasonic Panthers) and Italy (Lube Civitanova), where he won the 2023 CEV Champions League.
2. How does this roster compare to past Indonesian teams?
Unlike previous squads that relied on experience-heavy lineups, Veloso’s team balances 6 veterans (30+ years old) with 10 players under 25, aiming for long-term sustainability.
3. Where can fans follow the team?
Official updates: PBVSI’s Instagram and FIVB’s AVC Nations Cup page.
