Garuda's First Call-Up Under John Herdman, Observers Say It Matches Predictions
Indonesia’s national team enters a new chapter under the leadership of coach John Herdman. The PSSI announced the first Garuda Call-up and released a provisional squad list to face the FIFA Series 2026.
A total of 41 players were summoned to attend a training camp to build a solid team by combining experienced players with young talents.
The list features several names that had previously formed the backbone of the Indonesian national team, young players, and some familiar faces who have been given another opportunity.
“The call-up for the Indonesian national team is, I believe, as was predicted beforehand,” said national football observer Kesit B Handoyo to KOMPAS.com.
“The players summoned for the FIFA Series 2026, which will also be John Herdman’s debut match with the Indonesian national team.”
According to him, the English coach’s decision to maintain the core framework of the team is a logical move.
Several of these players formed the backbone of the Indonesian national team when Indonesia progressed to the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the Asian zone.
Ezra Walian and Elkan Baggot Get Another Chance
In addition to maintaining key players, John Herdman also gave opportunities to several players who have performed impressively at club level.
One of them is forward Ezra Walian, who has performed quite consistently this season with Persik Kediri in the 2025-2026 Super League.
“So it is not entirely surprising, I think this player has indeed played magnificently this season,” said the observer commonly known as Bung Kesit.
“His performance with Persik has been such a significant improvement that I believe it is fitting that John Herdman included him in the Indonesian national team squad for this FIFA Series 2026.”
“What is somewhat surprising, although whether he will fulfil the role of a current national team player after being absent for so long—yes, the hope is that Baggot can return to the Indonesian national team,” he added.