Indonesia Finalizes Squad for 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup - Tempo.co English
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian national team head coach John Herdman revealed that he is finalizing the roster for the Garuda squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, which kicks off later this month.
This international tournament in Southeast Asia will run from September 24 to October 5, with Indonesia hosting Division 1 matches at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) in Jakarta and Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung Regency.
"We are close. We are very close (to announcing the squad)," said Herdman at the event announcing the broadcast rights holder for the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup at SCTV Tower in Jakarta on Monday, as quoted by ANTARA.
Herdman said that he already has an idea of the Indonesian squad, but several players are injured, so there are still obstacles.
It was reported that on Sunday night (local time)—or Monday in Indonesia time—Indonesian national team captain Jay Idzes appeared to suffer an issue with his left thigh while helping Sassuolo secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over Juventus in the Italian league.
He was substituted in the 81st minute by coach Alberto Aquilani, making way for the experienced Croatian defender, Duje Caleta-Car.
"So, we actually have a very clear picture of the squad in mind, but a few injuries over the last few days have posed some challenges for us. Therefore, we need to assess the situation regarding two or three players from last weekend before finalizing it," he revealed.
At the same event, Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) Chairperson Erick Thohir announced that Indonesia would be unable to field three players based overseas for the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup due to injuries. These three players are Adrian Wibowo, Miliano Jonathans, and Mees Hilgers.
In addition to Adrian, Miliano, and Mees, who Erick confirmed would be absent, another player likely to miss out is Marselino Ferdinan. Ferdinan underwent surgery for a knee injury in Spain last month.
"We share a single vision heading into this tournament: to win the FIFA ASEAN Cup. That is our mission, and it also honors the ambitions of the organization that has given us this opportunity. The time is now," said Herdman, outlining Indonesia's ambitions for the FIFA ASEAN Cup.
