The Indonesian national team is in the final stages of finalizing its 23-man roster for the upcoming AFF Championship, with coaching staff currently evaluating player availability and fitness. While the squad structure remains fluid, reports regarding the potential exclusion of defender Mees Hilgers have drawn significant attention as the team prepares for the regional tournament.
As the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) works toward the official submission deadline, the coaching staff continues to balance tactical requirements with player readiness. The selection process is a critical checkpoint for the squad, which is currently utilizing the Bali United Training Center for its intensive pre-tournament training camp.
Squad Selection and Roster Deadlines
According to current reports, the Indonesian coaching staff is maintaining flexibility in its roster construction, keeping the door open for late additions or adjustments before the final 23-man list is locked. The team has been conducting its preparation at the Bali United Training Center, a facility recently highlighted by midfielder Thom Haye for its high-quality infrastructure, which he noted has been beneficial for the squad’s tactical conditioning.
Local Support and Venue Logistics
Beyond the roster developments, local authorities in West Java have begun mobilizing support for the team. The Depok City Government has publicly encouraged residents to attend upcoming matches held at Pakansari Stadium in Cibinong. This initiative aims to bolster the “home-field advantage” for the national team, with officials emphasizing the venue’s proximity to the Depok area as an opportunity for fans to provide significant vocal support.
Pakansari Stadium remains a primary regional hub for major football events, and the local government’s involvement underscores the cultural significance of the AFF Championship to the Indonesian public.
Tactical Outlook and Coaching Strategy
The team’s preparation is being closely watched for signs of tactical evolution.
The coaching staff is expected to finalize the 23-man roster shortly, following the conclusion of the current training camp phase in Bali.
Next Steps for the National Team
The immediate focus for the PSSI remains the formal registration of the 23 players who will represent the country in the 2026 AFF Championship. Following the conclusion of the training camp at the Bali United Training Center, the team will transition into the final phase of tournament preparation, including internal scrimmages and final tactical briefings.
Fans and stakeholders should monitor official PSSI announcements for the finalized roster list, which is expected to be released in the coming days as the tournament registration deadline approaches. The team is scheduled to continue its preparations until the final squad is confirmed and the travel schedule for the opening matches is finalized.
