Badan Tim Nasional chairman Sumardji said building mental character is the main focus in Indonesia national team preparations ahead of the 2026 AFF Cup.
At the Water Break PSSI Pers forum in SCBD Jakarta on Friday July 3 2026 Sumardji said evaluations showed technical quality alone is not enough to win the title.
He explained coach John Herdman has balanced mental physical and skill strengths from the start of the program. Players with high technical ability may not be selected if they do not meet mental and physical standards.
The selection process starts from 46 names with a training camp in Bali beginning July 5 2026. Around 26 players will be called first before the final squad of 24 to 26 is chosen.
Sumardji stressed priority is given to Super League players because the AFF Cup falls outside the FIFA calendar.
