Indonesia Announces Final Squad for FIFA Series, Herdman Era Begins
Jakarta – The Indonesian national team has finalized its 24-player squad for the upcoming FIFA Series, marking the debut of new head coach John Herdman. The tournament, hosted by Indonesia, will take place at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta from March 27-31, 2026. Tempo.co reports this event is a crucial test for the team under Herdman’s leadership.
First Test for John Herdman
Indonesia will kick off the FIFA Series against Saint Kitts & Nevis on Friday, March 27, 2026, in Herdman’s first match in charge. The New York Times notes Herdman was appointed as the new head coach on January 3, 2026, succeeding Patrick Kluivert.
Squad Composition
The selected squad features players with a minimum of three international caps and a maximum of 50 caps. Rizky Ridho leads the team in caps with 50 and four goals. Cahya Supriadi and Mauro Zijlstra have the fewest caps, with three each. Jakarta Globe highlights Herdman’s busy schedule in 2026, including this FIFA Series.
Average Age and Experience
The Indonesian squad has an average age of 26.4 years. Jordi Amat, at 34 years old, is the oldest player, while Mauro Zijlstra and Dony Tri Pamungkas are the youngest.
Squad Selection Notes
Muhammad Fajar Fathur Rahman was initially considered for the squad but was ultimately removed from the final list.
Tournament Format
Following the match against Saint Kitts and Nevis, Indonesia will face either Bulgaria or the Solomon Islands in the final on March 30, depending on the outcome of their initial match. The losing teams will compete in a third-place play-off. Tempo.co states the diverse playing styles of the opponents will provide valuable experience for the Indonesian team.
Building for the Future
The FIFA Series is viewed as a strategic platform for building a strong foundation for the new coaching era and enhancing Indonesia’s competitiveness on the international stage. As Marc Klok stated on Facebook, the FIFA Series 2026 will be the foundation for John Herdman’s new Indonesia national team.
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