Indonesia national football team gears up for AFF 2026 under coach John Herdman

Indonesia’s national team, coached by Canadian John Herdman, is finalising preparations for the 2026 AFF Championship, the tournament the country has never won in its 30‑year participation history. After a three‑week training camp in Bali, the squad was reduced to 26 players, featuring only two pure strikers—new Indonesian citizen Mitchell Baker and Jens Raven—while six forwards were cut. Veteran goalkeeper Nadeo Argawinata emphasized the desire to break the title‑less streak, and former star Cristian Gonzales urged supporters to back the team.

The opening group‑stage match will be against Cambodia on 27 July at Bogor’s Pakansari Stadium, with Herdman calling for full stadium support. Squad issues include the exclusion of midfielder Ricky Kambuaya, which sparked criticism, and the club‑blocked participation of defender Justin Hubner, whose Dutch side Fortuna Sittard cited the AFF Cup’s non‑FIFA calendar as a reason. Additionally, forward Ole Romeny and young talent Marselino Ferdinan face fitness concerns ahead of the tournament.

Overall, the team is focused on building chemistry, a solid defensive foundation, and an aggressive attacking style that has produced quick goals in earlier friendlies, aiming to secure Indonesia’s first AFF title.