Herdman’s First “Garuda Calling” Brings Back Familiar Faces and Fresh Talent

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s preparations for the FIFA Series 2026 will carry a sense of renewal, as head coach John Herdman unveils his first “Garuda Calling” squad. The 41-player list, announced ahead of the March 27 and 30 matches at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, blends returning veterans with promising newcomers.

Quoting Antara, among the most notable inclusions are Elkan Baggott and Ezra Walian, both making long-awaited returns to the national team. Baggott last donned the red-and-white jersey two years ago, while Walian’s absence stretches back four years.

Their careers began under different coaches -- Baggott with Shin Tae-yong and Walian with Luis Milla -- but they share history together, having played side by side in a 2021 friendly against Afghanistan and later at the AFF Championship, where Indonesia reached the final before falling to Thailand.

Herdman’s call-up also shines a spotlight on emerging talent. Persija Jakarta’s Dony Tri Pamungkas and PSIM Yogyakarta’s Cahya Supriadi headline a group of young players, joined by Fajar Fathurrahman, Tim Geypens, Jens Raven, Arkhan Fikri, and Victor Dethan.

Geypens, a left-back with FC Emmen in the Dutch second tier, has been particularly anticipated after making 24 league appearances this season.

The squad announcement also reflects absences. Thom Haye and Shayne Pattynama are unavailable due to four-match bans stemming from red cards in last October’s World Cup qualifier against Iraq. Meanwhile, injuries sideline key figures such as Asnawi Mangkualam, Pratama Arhan, Mees Hilgers, and Marselino Ferdinan.

The FIFA Series in Jakarta will open with Indonesia facing Saint Kitts and Nevis, while Bulgaria meets the Solomon Islands. Winners and losers from those fixtures will then face each other on March 30. All matches will be staged at Gelora Bung Karno in afternoon and evening slots, offering Herdman his first real test with the Garuda squad. ***