John Herdman Weighs Squad Overhaul for November FIFA Matchday
Following its victory at the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, the Indonesia national football team faces a potential roster shakeup as manager John Herdman evaluates player fitness and club playing time ahead of upcoming international friendlies. The reigning regional champions are scheduled to play two away matches on the calendar between November 9 and November 18, 2026.
Herdman’s assessment places several veteran players and underperforming club contributors in jeopardy. Among them is a defender whose playing time with Persija Jakarta has dropped significantly this season. The player has logged only limited appearances, including a 27-minute substitute appearance in a 5-1 victory over Arema FC on October 21, 2026. His position in the national squad faces further pressure from the expected recovery of Jay Idzes at Sassuolo.
Defensive Competitveness Threatens Veteran Placements
Shayne Pattynama faces similar uncertainty regarding his place in the national team setup. The defender failed to secure a spot in Persija Jakarta’s matchday squad during the opening seven weeks of the 2026–2027 Super League season.
In the attacking ranks, Rizky Eka Pratama risks omission after failing to make a single appearance during the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. Rizky has contributed two assists and no goals across seven Super League appearances this season, leaving his international spot vulnerable to players in stronger domestic form.
PSSI Reviews Middle East Security and Opponent Changes
The Indonesia Football Association (PSSI) is actively reviewing the team’s travel plans to the Middle East amid regional security concerns. PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir noted on October 13, 2026, that while agreements were initially reached with Middle Eastern federations, the safety of players and staff remains paramount following recent regional conflicts, such as the temporary closure of King Khalid International Airport.
Scheduling shifts have already impacted the tour. While Indonesia is slated to face Jordan in Amman on November 14, 2026, a previously discussed fixture against Kuwait has changed. The Kuwait Football Association announced that Al-Azraq will instead play Syria on November 13 and Honduras on November 17, 2026, leaving PSSI to finalize alternative opponents for Indonesia’s second November fixture.
Squad Composition and Historical Context
Manager John Herdman is expected to name a 26-player roster for the November window, leaning primarily on the core group that secured the ASEAN Cup title alongside returning figures like Dony Tri Pamungkas, Eliano Reijnders, and Arlyansyah Abdulmanan. The upcoming trip marks Indonesia’s first sequence of back-to-back away friendlies since 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Indonesia play its November 2026 fixtures?
The national team is scheduled to play Jordan in Amman on November 14, 2026, with the window for international fixtures running from November 9 through November 18, 2026.
Who are the projected additions to the squad?
Manager John Herdman is expected to select core members from the recent ASEAN Cup squad alongside returning players such as Dony Tri Pamungkas, Eliano Reijnders, and Arlyansyah Abdulmanan.
Why is PSSI reviewing the Middle East tour?
PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir stated that ongoing security concerns in the region require the federation to verify the safety conditions with host nations before finalizing the travel itinerary.
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