Indonesia Squad Arrives: Herdman Welcomes Players Ahead of FIFA Series vs Saint Kitts and Nevis

Jakarta, Indonesia – Players representing the Indonesian national team have begun arriving at their hotel accommodations in preparation for their inaugural FIFA Series 2026 match against Saint Kitts and Nevis. The team’s arrival was documented in a post on the official Instagram account of the Indonesian national team on Monday, March 23, 2026.

Video footage shows several of the 24 players selected for the final squad checking into the Fairmont Hotel in Jakarta. Head coach John Herdman and members of his coaching staff were on hand to greet the arriving players.

The match against Saint Kitts and Nevis, scheduled for Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Senayan, Jakarta, marks Herdman’s official debut leading the Indonesian national team in a FIFA-sanctioned international competition.

Elkan Baggott Returns to the Fold

Among the arrivals, the return of Elkan Baggott has garnered particular attention. The Ipswich Town defender is back in the national team setup after a more than two-year absence, last representing Indonesia at the 2023 Asian Cup. Baggott’s arrival was met with a warm welcome from coaching staff and fellow players.

Also present among the arriving players were several members of the domestic Super League, including Eliano Reijnders, Beckham Putra, Rizky Ridho, Nadeo Argawinata, Cahya Supriadi, and Ivar Jenner.

The buildup to the FIFA Series 2026 has seen a phased arrival of players. According to Sumardji, Chairman of the National Team Body (BTN), local players began arriving on March 22, 2026, although players based overseas were scheduled to arrive between March 23rd and March 24th. The entire squad is expected to be assembled by March 24th, three days before the opening match.

Herdman initially called up 41 players for a preliminary squad before narrowing it down to the final 24 for the FIFA Series 2026.

The upcoming FIFA Series presents a crucial opportunity for Herdman to assess his team and implement his strategies. Observers note that the timeframe for preparation is limited, placing immediate pressure on the new coach to quickly integrate his vision with the squad.

The tournament format will see Indonesia face either Bulgaria or the Solomon Islands in the subsequent round, depending on the results of the initial matches. Bulgaria and the Solomon Islands will contest the other semi-final matchup.

Former Indonesian national team coach Ivan Kolev has urged Herdman to prioritize players from the domestic Super League in the upcoming matches. Kolev, speaking ahead of the tournament, emphasized the importance of utilizing the talent within Indonesia’s local league system. He also acknowledged the potential for a match-up between Indonesia and his native Bulgaria, expressing confidence that both teams would strive to deliver their best performance.

While the focus is on the immediate challenge of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the broader context of the FIFA Series 2026 is significant. Indonesia is co-hosting the tournament, providing a valuable platform to showcase the nation’s growing football ambitions. The event also serves as a key preparation step for future international competitions, including the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.

Herdman’s initial impressions have been positive, according to observers. His willingness to bring his family to Jakarta has been noted as a sign of commitment, a gesture not previously seen from past national team coaches. His decision to incorporate local assistant coaches has also been well-received, demonstrating a commitment to integrating Indonesian football expertise into his staff.

The arrival of the players signals the beginning of a new chapter for Indonesian football under the leadership of John Herdman. The upcoming match against Saint Kitts and Nevis will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, eager to see how the team performs and what direction Herdman will seize the program.