Four Returning Players Set to Strengthen Indonesia Ahead of AFC Asian Cup 2027
With the AFC Asian Cup 2027 just 90 days away, the Indonesia national football team is shifting its focus to tournament preparations under head coach John Herdman, Radar Cirebon reported. Fresh off capturing the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 title by defeating Thailand on penalties 4–2 on October 5 at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, the squad is plotting roster adjustments. This victory marked a significant milestone, ending a 35-year wait for a senior football gold medal since the 1991 SEA Games. Herdman has identified four players poised to make their comebacks to the national team setup as key additions for the upcoming continental championship in Saudi Arabia.
The 2027 AFC Asian Cup is scheduled to run from January 7 to February 5, 2027, across three host cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al-Khobar. Indonesia has been drawn into Group F alongside Japan, Qatar, and Thailand. To prepare for these high-level group fixtures, Herdman outlined plans during an October press conference at Gelora Bung Karno to integrate fresh faces and returning veterans over the subsequent six months. Kami akan menyambut beberapa pemain baru dalam enam bulan ke depan,
said Herdman during the Monday evening briefing.
Defensive Boosts and Squad Integration Plans
Among the anticipated returns is central defender Mees Hilgers, who suffered an ACL ligament injury in November 2025. Radar Cirebon reported that the defender is nearing full recovery and intends to rejoin the national squad starting with the November FIFA Matchday friendlies. Hilgers, who previously played for FC Twente and currently features for SC Heerenveen, provides tactical flexibility with proven adaptability across three-man and four-man defensive schemes.
Another major defensive reinforcement on the horizon is Jay Idzes. Idzes missed the recent FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 campaign but is expected back in the fold to solidify Indonesia’s backline. The coach noted that Idzes’ return would be momen yang menarik
for the squad. Alongside Idzes, Marselino Ferdinan is being closely monitored by the coaching staff for inclusion as the team ramps up its preparations for the tournament in Saudi Arabia.
Attacking Options and November Test Matches
In the attacking third, Miliano Jonathans emerges as a primary offensive card for Herdman. Radar Cirebon noted that the winger, whose naturalization process began during Patrick Kluivert’s tenure, offers an explosive profile designed to upgrade Indonesia’s front line for the Asian Cup stage.
Before the continental tournament begins, Indonesia will use the November 2026 international window to test its squad against major opponents. PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir confirmed that the team will play away fixtures because the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium is booked for a concert by South Korean pop group BTS from December 26 to 29. November kita akan away, bertanding di negara lain. Ya, kita mengalah untuk BTS ya. BTS (konser) 3 hari, alhamdulillah,
Thohir stated. Indonesia is scheduled to face Jordan at the Amman International Stadium on Tuesday, November 13, 2026, with PSSI searching for another opponent to complete a two-match November schedule. Herdman remains optimistic about the upcoming matches, noting that the team is planning for two significant duels to sharpen their performance before the Asian Cup.
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