Ahead of FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026: 21 Indonesian National Team Players Gather, Three Yet to Join

PSSI announced that 21 players have joined the Indonesian National Team squad for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. Coach John Herdman called up 24 names, meaning three players are still awaited. The event will be held from September 25 to October 5, 2026, and will be broadcast live by Indosiar, SCTV, Vidio, Moji, and Nex.

Among the 21 players who have joined are several key names such as Maarten Paes, Thom Haye, Ragnar Oratmangoen, Jordi Amat, Egy Maulana Vikri, Kevin Diks, Elkan Baggott, Ole Romeny, Emil Audero, Justin Hubner, Nathan Tjoe-A-On, and Joey Pelupessy. Meanwhile, the three players who have not yet arrived are Calvin Verdonk, Dean James, and Yakob Sayuri. Their absence is certainly a concern, given their strategic roles in their respective positions.

According to PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir, during the tournament, the Indonesian National Team will undergo a training camp at PTIK Stadium, South Jakarta. This step is taken to maintain player fitness and focus, given the packed match schedule. PTIK Stadium was chosen for its adequate facilities and strategic location in the capital.

In Group A, the Indonesian National Team will compete against Malaysia, Singapore, and Bangladesh. Rizky Ridho and his teammates will begin their campaign by facing Singapore on September 25, 2026, then playing Malaysia three days later, and concluding the group stage by taking on Bangladesh on October 1, 2026. All Group A matches will be played at SUGBK, Central Jakarta.

"We are continuously monitoring the condition of players who have not yet joined. Communication with their clubs remains ongoing so they can join soon," said an internal PSSI source.

Facing this tournament, Herdman is challenged to assemble the best possible squad from the available players. The presence of overseas players like Maarten Paes and Thom Haye is expected to strengthen the defense and midfield. Meanwhile, young players such as Rayhan Hannan and Dion Markx could be options to provide new energy.

For Indonesia, the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 is more than just a regional event. This tournament serves as a benchmark for the development of national football ahead of larger competitions. Full support from fans at SUGBK is believed to be an important factor in boosting the team's performance. Furthermore, success in this tournament can improve FIFA rankings and strengthen Indonesia's position in Asia.

With the remaining preparation time, the big question is whether the three players who have not yet joined will arrive on time and immediately adapt to Herdman's tactics. If not, replacement options need to be prepared promptly. Clearly, the hopes of the Indonesian football public are set on the Garuda Squad to perform optimally and achieve the best results in this tournament.