John Herdman Calls 23 Players for Indonesia’s ASEAN Cup 2026 Training Camp

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s preparations for the ASEAN Cup 2026 have officially entered a new phase as head coach John Herdman gathers a 23-player squad for a focused training camp in Jakarta, from May 26-30, 2026, where competition for places in the final team is expected to intensify ahead of the continental tournament.

According to the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), the intensive camp will include training sessions and internal matches designed to help the coaching staff evaluate player readiness ahead of upcoming international competitions.

“This five-day period will feature intensive training sessions and internal matches as part of the coaching team’s evaluation process,” PSSI stated in its official release on Tuesday, April 28, as quoted by Antara.

The camp is part of Indonesia’s buildup to the ASEAN Cup 2026, scheduled for July 24 to August 26. Indonesia, a six-time runner-up but still seeking its first title, has been drawn in Group A alongside Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia, and the playoff winner between Brunei Darussalam and Timor Leste.

Strong performers from the training camp will have a chance to secure spots in the final tournament squad and may also be considered for the FIFA Matchday schedule in June 2026, including a planned friendly against Oman in Jakarta on June 5.

Herdman emphasized that the ASEAN Cup, previously known as the AFF Cup and not part of the FIFA international calendar, represents a crucial opportunity for domestic players to prove themselves.

“As head coach and coaching staff, we have observed many matches this season and have a clear picture of the potential of domestic players. This is an important moment for them to show their quality and secure a place in the ASEAN Cup squad,” he continued.

For the 23- player squad, Dewa United Banten FC and Persija Jakarta are the biggest contributors, each with four representatives. Dewa United is represented by Brian Fatari, Wahyu Prasetyo, Egy Maulana Vikri, and Ricky Kambuaya, while Persija contribute Fajar Fathurrahman, Shayne Pattynama, Witan Sulaeman, and Eksel Runtukahu.

Most of the squad consists of new or recently recalled players, with only Cahya Supriadi, Nadeo Argawinata, and Jens Raven retained from Indonesia’s previous FIFA Series 2026 matches.

Several players, including Brian Fatari, Eksel Runtukahu, Alfharezzi Buffon, and Rizky Eka Pratama, are receiving their first senior national team call-ups. Others such as Fajar Fathurrahman had already been included in earlier provisional squads. ***