Jakarta – The Indonesian national team will enter a new chapter this week, but it won’t be with a fresh face. Head coach John Herdman has named his final squad for the upcoming FIFA Series and notably, there will be no debutants for the Garuda.
Indonesia is set to host the FIFA Series at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta, beginning March 27th and running through March 31st, 2026. The first match will see Indonesia face Saint Kitts & Nevis on Friday, March 27th, marking Herdman’s first official game in charge.
Herdman has selected a 24-man roster comprised of players with a minimum of three international caps, and a maximum of 50. This decision signals a clear preference for experience as the team begins preparations under its new leadership. The focus, it appears, is on building a foundation of established players rather than immediately integrating newcomers.
Rizky Ridho leads the squad in terms of caps, having also contributed four goals to the national team’s tally. At the other end of the spectrum, Cahya Supriadi and Mauro Zijlstra are the least experienced members of the team, each with three caps to their name.
While Muhammad Fajar Fathur Rahman was initially considered as a potential debutant, he was ultimately cut from the final squad, meaning he’ll have to wait for another opportunity to earn his first senior cap. This demonstrates Herdman’s commitment to a core group of players for this initial phase.
The average age of the Indonesian squad is 26.4 years classic, indicating a blend of youth, and experience. Jordi Amat, at 34, is the oldest player in the team, while Mauro Zijlstra and Dony Tri Pamungkas represent the younger generation.
This squad selection comes after Herdman’s appointment in January 2026, replacing Patrick Kluivert who was dismissed following Indonesia’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Herdman brings a wealth of international coaching experience, having previously led the Canadian women’s national team to Olympic bronze medals in 2012 and 2016, and guiding the Canadian men’s team to World Cup qualification in 2022 – their first appearance since 1986.
The FIFA Series represents a crucial opportunity for Herdman to assess his squad and begin implementing his tactical approach. It’s a chance to build a new foundation for the Indonesian national team, as he stated in comments reported by Bola.net, viewing the tournament as a starting point for a new era.
Indonesia has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup since gaining independence in 1945, and reached the knockout stages of the Asian Cup for the first time in 2023, where they were eliminated in the last-16. Herdman’s arrival is seen as a significant step towards potentially changing that trajectory. His appointment, as the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) noted, signals “the beginning of a new era for national football.”
The decision to prioritize experienced players for this initial camp suggests Herdman is focused on establishing a level of stability and familiarity within the squad before introducing new talent. It’s a pragmatic approach as he begins to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the current player pool. For fans eager to see new faces, the wait continues, but the emphasis on a solid core could prove beneficial in the long run.
Beyond the FIFA Series, Indonesia continues its journey in the 2026 World Cup qualification process. The upcoming matches will be closely watched, not only for the results but also for the tactical adjustments and player development under Herdman’s guidance. The team’s performance will be broadcast nationally and streamed online, ensuring widespread access for fans across the country.
The upcoming matches offer a chance for Indonesia to improve its FIFA ranking, currently at 122nd in the world. A strong showing in the FIFA Series could provide a significant boost, and demonstrate the progress being made under the new coach.
Indonesia’s next confirmed action is the match against Saint Kitts & Nevis on March 27th at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium. Fans can follow updates and official announcements through the PSSI’s official channels.
What are your thoughts on Herdman’s squad selection? Share your opinions in the comments below.
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