Indonesia Targets Middle East Tour in November 2026 FIFA Matchday Amid Security Reviews
The Indonesian national football team faces an uncertain schedule for the upcoming November 2026 international window as regional security concerns threaten planned fixtures in the Middle East. John Herdman’s squad was initially slated to travel for away friendlies, with an opening match against Jordan scheduled for November 13, 2026, followed by a second fixture against Kuwait on November 17, 2026.
PSSI Weighs Safety Priorities Against Coach Herdman’s Travel Demands
PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir acknowledged that ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have placed the tour under strict review. Speaking to reporters, Thohir emphasized that player and staff safety remains the primary governing factor before any travel arrangements are finalized. At the same time, the federation aims to honor head coach John Herdman’s tactical roadmap, which specifically mandates away fixtures outside Southeast Asia to test the squad’s physical endurance, travel logistics, and mental resilience ahead of the AFC Asian Cup 2027.
Coach John ingin tim mulai merasakan atmosfer, udara, dan lain-lainlah, termasuk logistik, perjalanan, kan itu mesti dicoba semua,
Thohir stated regarding the necessity of demanding away fixtures. Kalau kondisi (kawasan Timur Tengah) ternyata tidak kondusif, terpaksa kami harus mencari lawan tanding lain di negara lain.
Regional Rivals Lock In Fixtures While Garuda Prepares Options
While Indonesia navigates logistical hurdles, neighboring Southeast Asian federations have already confirmed their respective calendars for the same international window. The Vietnam Football Federation announced a home friendly tournament at Thien Truong Stadium featuring Taiwan and Kyrgyzstan, while the Football Association of Malaysia dispatched the Harimau Malaya squad to Guangzhou to face China and Yemen. For Indonesia, backup opponents remain under consideration if conditions in Jordan and Kuwait force a complete relocation of the November camp.
Historical Head-to-Head Records and 2026 Form Guide
If the fixture against Jordan proceeds at Amman International Stadium, the Garuda squad will attempt to secure their first victory against Jordan. Historical records compiled by 11v11 show that Indonesia has met Jordan five times previously, suffering four friendly defeats alongside a narrow 1-0 loss during the 2022 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. Their very first encounter took place in Amman on February 12, 2004, ending in a 2-1 defeat featuring a goal from Bambang Pamungkas.
Both national teams enter the upcoming window carrying contrasting momentum through 2026. Under John Herdman, Indonesia has accumulated eight wins, two draws, and two losses across 12 official matches following the conclusion of Patrick Kluivert’s tenure. Conversely, Jordan has endured a winless run across nine fixtures in 2026 under managers Jamal Sellami and subsequent coach Badou Zaki, recording four draws and five losses. The squad also features high-profile talent such as 29-year-old winger Mousa Al-Tamari, who plays in France’s Ligue 1 for Rennes and holds the team’s highest active caps total with 82 appearances and 24 goals.
Next Steps for the November International Window
PSSI continues daily consultations with Middle Eastern football authorities to evaluate stadium security and local conditions. Final confirmation regarding whether the squad will honor the initial fixtures against Jordan and Kuwait or pivot toward alternative neutral venues is expected from federation officials in the coming days ahead of the November 13 kickoff date.
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