Luke Vickery Debuts, Thom Haye Benched: Indonesia vs Singapore Starting XI at ASEAN Cup 2026
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- John Herdman memilih Maarten Paes sebagai penjaga gawang dan memberikan debut kepada Luke Vickery saat Indonesia menjamu Singapura di matchday perdana Grup A.
- Absennya Jay Idzes memaksa Herdman menurunkan trio bek Kevin Diks, Elkan Baggott, dan Justin Hubner sejak awal.
- Laga di Stadion Utama Gelora Bung Karno menjadi ujian awal ambisi Indonesia merebut tiket semifinal dari Grup A.
The Indonesia national team begins its campaign in Division 1 of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 by facing Singapore at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Friday (26/9/2026) at 20.00 WIB. Coach John Herdman entrusts the goalkeeper position to Maarten Paes, while a debut is handed to Luke Vickery. This decision signals that Herdman is not hesitant to rotate the back line following the absence of Jay Idzes.
Without Idzes, Herdman places Kevin Diks, Elkan Baggott, and Justin Hubner as the defensive wall. This combination is relatively fresh because Hubner and Baggott rarely appear together as starters in official matches. In midfield, Joey Pelupessy and Calvin Verdonk are trusted to set the rhythm, while Dean James fills the wing sector. Meanwhile, Mitchell Baker is the spearhead, supported by Ole Romeny and Ragnar Oratmangoen.
The decision to bench Thom Haye is a spotlight of its own. The midfielder who usually anchors the team must settle for starting from the bench, giving room for Pelupessy to show his quality. This move can be read as Herdman's effort to maintain pressing intensity from the first minute, considering Singapore is known for its quick transitions.
For Indonesia, this match is not merely the opening of Group A. This FIFA-organized event is a benchmark for the squad's readiness to face the pressure of an official tournament. Herdman, experienced in managing the Canadian national team at the 2022 World Cup, is required to prove that regeneration runs without sacrificing results. Vickery's debut, for instance, indicates that the English coach wants to give playing minutes to young players from the start, not just as backups in the knockout stage.
"We want to start with high intensity. Every player selected is physically and tactically ready," Herdman said in a pre-match press conference, as quoted from an official PSSI statement.
On the other hand, Singapore comes with a mission to steal points in Indonesia's home ground. The team coached by the Japanese coach usually relies on the discipline of its defensive block and counterattacks. Therefore, the presence of Romeny and Oratmangoen on the wings is expected to open space for Baker in the penalty box. If this trio fails to break through Singapore's tight back line, Indonesia risks getting stuck in a slow game that benefits the opponent.
Indonesia context: This competition is an important stage for national football amid public scrutiny of the quality of youth development. Success at the ASEAN Cup 2026 can boost players' confidence ahead of the Asian Cup and World Cup qualifying agenda. Conversely, a poor result at home could trigger criticism of the federation and coaching staff, especially regarding the call-up of naturalized and diaspora players. Supporter backing at Gelora Bung Karno will be a psychological factor that cannot be ignored.
Tactically, Herdman seems to want to utilize the speed of Vickery and James on the wings to press from the start. However, Idzes' absence leaves questions about coordination in the back line. Baggott and Hubner have different characteristics; Baggott is stronger in aerial duels, while Hubner excels at reading opponent movements. Their collaboration will be tested by the mobility of Singapore's forwards, who often move into empty spaces.
This match is also a moment for Paes to assert his position as the main goalkeeper. Although not a debut, the pressure in the opening match is always different. If Paes performs solidly, his position becomes harder to displace. Conversely, a small mistake could open opportunities for another goalkeeper in the next match.
Going forward, the result of this match will determine the direction of Group A. A win will give Indonesia valuable capital before facing the next opponents. However, if they fail to secure three points, Herdman must quickly find a new formula, especially in maintaining the balance between attacking and defending. The public certainly awaits whether Vickery's debut and the decision to bench Thom Haye are the right steps or a tactical blunder. Only the match can answer that.
