Eliano Reijnders Determined to Break into Indonesia National Team’s Starting Lineup for FIFA Series 2026
Jakarta – Eliano Reijnders has expressed his determination after being named to the final 24-man squad for the Indonesian National Team ahead of the FIFA Series 2026. The midfielder aims to earn a place in John Herdman’s starting eleven.
Reijnders secured his spot in the final squad, successfully defending his position against competition from the initial 41-player provisional list.
Despite making the cut, Reijnders is not content with simply being part of the squad. He is focused on proving his worth to secure a starting role.
“From that data, maybe only 23 players can be selected and the starting eleven can be selected. So, I have to be able to beat 30 other players,” Reijnders stated, as quoted by Persib Bandung’s website [1].
Indonesia’s FIFA Series 2026 Schedule
The Indonesian National Team will play two matches at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) later this month as part of the 2026 FIFA Series. Garuda will face Saint Kitts and Nevis on March 27th, followed by a match against either Bulgaria or the Solomon Islands on March 30th [3].
“Of course we wish to win those two games and I believe people think the same thing,” Reijnders added.
John Herdman’s Debut with the Indonesian National Team
This event marks John Herdman’s first assignment as head coach of the Indonesian National Team. The British tactician was appointed by PSSI in January 2026 [1].
Reijnders shared that he has had some initial interaction with the new coach. “Yes, I understand a little about him. We also chatted when he (John Herdman) watched the match here (GBLA),” he said.
[1] Persib Bandung
[2] AseanFootball
[3] Wikipedia
Worth a look