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The Indonesian national football team will begin its ASEAN Championship 2026 campaign on July 27, 2026, against Cambodia at Pakansari Stadium, Bogor. According to PSSI, 50 players have been selected for a training camp in Bali starting July 7, 2026, under the direction of head coach John Herdman, who is prioritizing players currently active in the domestic Super League.
How is the PSSI managing player availability for the 2026 tournament?
PSSI has secured a commitment from domestic clubs to release their players for the ASEAN Championship 2026 by adjusting the professional league schedule. Erick Thohir, the PSSI leadership, confirmed that the league calendar has been shifted to September to accommodate the national team’s preparations. “The league has already pushed back its schedule to September, so there is no reason for clubs in Indonesia to refuse the national team call-up,” Thohir stated on July 8, 2026, in Yogyakarta.
Will European-based players participate in the ASEAN Championship?
Overseas-based players are unlikely to feature in the upcoming tournament because the event falls outside the official FIFA international calendar. While the preliminary list includes four diaspora players—Marselino Ferdinan, Mathew Baker, Justin Hubner, and Mitchell Baker—Thohir clarified that players currently under contract with European clubs face significant hurdles. Specifically, Justin Hubner is currently engaged in preseason training with his club, Fortuna Sittard, making his participation uncertain.
What is the strategy behind the 50-player training camp?
The selection of 50 players for the training camp at the Bali United Training Center represents a wide-net approach to squad building. Coach John Herdman is tasked with narrowing this group down to the final tournament roster. Thohir emphasized that the selection process remains entirely under the coach’s authority, noting, “All players in the Indonesian league will be evaluated to find the best; Coach John makes the final choice.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does Indonesia play its first match? The first match is scheduled for July 27, 2026, against Cambodia at Pakansari Stadium.
- Why are some European-based players potentially missing? The ASEAN Championship 2026 does not align with the FIFA international break, meaning clubs are not strictly obligated to release players.
- Who selects the final team? Head coach John Herdman is responsible for selecting the final roster from the pool of 50 players currently in training.
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