Indonesia national team coach John Herdman, appointed in January 2026, has announced a provisional 41-player squad for the FIFA Series 2026 in Jakarta, starting March 27 against Saint Kitts and Nevis. The list features diaspora talents like Jay Idzes and Emil Audero from Italy's Serie A, returning defender Elkan Baggott, and domestic goalkeeper Cahya Supriadi, while omitting strong performers Teja Paku Alam and Rafael Struick.
On March 9, 2026, Indonesia's national team coach John Herdman unveiled a provisional squad of 41 players ahead of the FIFA Series 2026 tournament in Jakarta at the end of March. The squad will be trimmed to a final roster closer to the matches on March 27 and 30.
The selection blends domestic and overseas talent. Goalkeepers include Emil Audero (UC Cremonese), Maarten Paes (AFC Ajax), Nadeo Argawinata (Borneo FC), Cahya Supriadi (PSIM Yogyakarta), and Ernando Ari (Persebaya Surabaya). Cahya Supriadi, PSIM Yogyakarta's standout, earned his call-up through consistent performances. PSIM manager Razzi Taruna expressed pride: "Harapan saya Cahya bisa lebih konsisten, lebih lapar dalam mengejar target, selalu rendah hati, dan mau belajar. Semoga nanti Cahya betul-betul berkesempatan masuk ke dalam skuad akhir dan bisa bermain untuk tim nasional senior."
Notably omitted is Persib Bandung's Teja Paku Alam, who recorded 15 clean sheets in 22 BRI Super League 2025/2026 matches. Teja remained positive: "Alhamdulillah senang, ya ini berkat pemain lain juga kan berkontribusi. Jadi ya enggak sendiri." Also excluded is Dewa United's Rafael Struick, despite 11 league appearances (370 minutes) since joining from Brisbane Roar in July 2025, plus three AFC Challenge League games (1 goal, 1 assist).
Defensively, Elkan Baggott's return heightens competition alongside Jay Idzes (US Sassuolo), Justin Hubner (Fortuna Sittard), Rizky Ridho (Persija Jakarta), and Kevin Diks (Borussia Mönchengladbach). Analyst Ronny Pangemanan (Bung Ropan) predicts Baggott could start in a three-back formation with Idzes and Diks against Saint Kitts and Nevis. Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web praised the Serie A experience of Idzes and Audero: "Para pemain yang bermain di liga top Eropa tentu membawa pengalaman penting bagi tim." Other returns include striker Ezra Walian (Persik Kediri).
Indonesia faces Saint Kitts and Nevis on March 27, followed potentially by the winner of Solomon Islands vs. Bulgaria on March 30. The tournament offers Herdman a chance to test lineups and build chemistry.
