Indonesia leaks squad list for FIFA ASEAN Cup

Indonesian media are abuzz with news of a 26-player list supposedly part of John Herdman's strategy for the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup. Nevertheless, PSSI has confirmed that the national team's official lineup is still pending.

On August 18, several Indonesian newspapers cited football commentator Ronny Pangemanan, commonly known as Bung Ropan, regarding a list of 26 players likely to be called up by coach John Herdman.

According to this list, Indonesia could bring a very strong squad to the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, featuring numerous players currently playing abroad.

In the goalkeeper position, three names are mentioned: Maarten Paes, Emil Audero, and Ernando Ari Sutaryadi.

The defensive lineup includes Jay Idzes, Elkan Baggott, Justin Hubner, Kevin Diks, Calvin Verdonk, Dean James, Sandy Walsh, Shayne Pattynama, Dony Tri Pamungkas, Eliano Reijnders, and Nathan Tjoe-A-On.

Four midfielders on the projected list are Ivar Jenner, Thom Haye, Joey Pelupessy, and Ricky Kambuaya.

Meanwhile, the attack features Miliano Jonathans, Luke Vickery, Mitchell Baker, Ragnar Oratmangoen, Beckham Putra, Ole Romeny, Marselino Ferdinan, and Adrian Wibowo.

Notably, shortly after the above list spread widely, Sumardji, Chairman of the Indonesian National Team Board (BTN), denied that it was the official squad.

According to Sumardji, coach John Herdman and the Indonesian football team board are still finalizing the player list, while also preparing the training camp plan, schedule, and base location for the Indonesian team.

When directly asked about the 26-player list circulating in Indonesian media and social networks, Sumardji stated that the information is "not correct." This means the 26 names above should only be considered a speculative list or leaked information, rather than Indonesia's official call-up.

One of the most striking details is the absence of center-back Rizky Ridho. Additionally, goalkeeper Nadeo Argawinata and midfielder Marc Klok are also not featured in the list revealed by Bung Ropan.

On the flip side, many players currently playing abroad are expected to return to the national team, including Maarten Paes, Emil Audero, Jay Idzes, Elkan Baggott, Kevin Diks, Calvin Verdonk, Dean James, Nathan Tjoe-A-On, Joey Pelupessy, and Ole Romeny.

If this list becomes reality, Indonesia will see a significant change in personnel compared to the 2026 ASEAN Cup.

According to Indonesian media, only about 11 players who participated in the 2026 ASEAN Cup are expected to remain, including Justin Hubner, Sandy Walsh, Shayne Pattynama, Dony Tri Pamungkas, Eliano Reijnders, Thom Haye, Ivar Jenner, Marselino Ferdinan, Beckham Putra, Ragnar Oratmangoen, and Mitchell Baker.

The fact that the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup takes place during the FIFA Days is seen as a favorable condition for coach John Herdman to call up the best players currently playing abroad.

However, the cases of Marselino Ferdinan and Miliano Jonathans still need monitoring due to fitness and injury issues.