Indonesia Tests New Generation of Garuda Squad in June FIFA Matchday 2026

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s national football team is finalizing preparations for the June 2026 FIFA Matchday fixtures against Oman and Mozambique. Head coach John Herdman has selected 23 players to represent the Garuda squad.

Football analyst Gregah Nurikhsani believes the squad selection is well-balanced and appropriate. He said the roster represents the best available option given the absence of several key players.

“Overall, this is a very proper squad for the level of Indonesia’s senior national team,” Gregah said during a discussion on RRI Pro 3 on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. He noted that injuries to several players made Herdman’s selections understandable.

Gregah highlighted the inclusion of Matthew Baker, Rayhan Hannan, and Muhammad Ferrari. In his view, their call‑ups demonstrate the coach’s willingness to give opportunities to younger players.

“The decision to select Matthew Baker is very bold and deserves praise,” he said. Baker is seen as a player prepared to fill the gap left by Jay Idzes's absence.

Gregah also sees the squad as part of a broader regeneration process within the national team. The absence of several senior players, he said, has created opportunities for new faces to prove their quality.

According to Gregah, Herdman’s primary focus is not solely on match results. He believes improving team organization and tactical development are more important at this stage.

“The most important thing is that the team’s organization and chemistry work well first,” he added. The effectiveness of the attacking line, he said, can be assessed as the team continues to develop.

Gregah believes the matches against Oman and Mozambique will serve as an important benchmark, providing insight into the style of play Herdman wants to implement. He noted that Oman is known for its discipline, while Mozambique relies on physicality and speed.

“Even if Indonesia loses, we can still understand what John Herdman actually wants from the team,” he continued.

He added that the lessons learned from these matches will be valuable preparation for the AFF Championship and the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. (Diffa Sephiawardhani)