PSSI Worried US–Israel–Iran Conflict Could Disrupt National Team Players’ Return for FIFA Series 2026

PSSI is monitoring the potential impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel and Iran on the travel routes of Indonesian national team players plying their trade in Europe ahead of FIFA Series 2026 in Jakarta. Arya Sinulingga, a member of the PSSI Executive Committee, acknowledged that geopolitical tensions in the region raise concerns about players’ journeys back to Indonesia, with disruptions to international flight routes used by Garuda players potentially impacting the squad. Indonesia will host a four-team FIFA Series 2026 mini-tournament from 27 to 30 March at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta. The event will bring together four teams from different confederations. Preparations are considered tight as the event takes place near the Eid holidays, and Arya hopes coach John Herdman can maximise the short time available to prepare the team. “This is FIFA Series, but Eid is approaching, so there will inevitably be some breaks. So we hope preparations are maximised,” Arya told reporters at Lapangan ABC Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday 6 March. He said the main concern at present is the potential disruption to flights for players based in Europe due to tensions in the Middle East. “But I am also somewhat worried about the flights of players who can participate, such as those from Europe,” he added. “We know the situation in the Middle East is like that. We will try to find a way, whether it’s possible to fly to Indonesia, or not,” he continued. “We will assess technically which is best.” PSSI is currently studying various possible travel routes for players to Indonesia, including alternative flight options if the usual routes are affected by security concerns in the region. “The current situation is uncertain; whether via the United States or not, we don’t know yet. We will assess the squad’s urgency and the coach’s ability to find steps. Technically we will determine the best path.” FIFA Series 2026 in Jakarta will be followed by four teams: Indonesia, Bulgaria, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the Solomon Islands. The Garuda squad is scheduled to face Saint Kitts and Nevis at GBK on 27 March. If they win, Indonesia would progress to the final and face the winner of the Solomon Islands vs Bulgaria match. John Herdman has started monitoring Indonesian national team players in Europe, including Kevin Diks and Dean James, ahead of FIFA Series 2026, and is expanding the pool of overseas players. Apart from Indonesia, other hosts include Australia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, and Uzbekistan. The naturalisation process for players remains linked to mechanisms involving the House of Representatives (DPR). Therefore, PSSI is awaiting confirmation of the hearing schedule before moving further. Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung believes Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) will become a symbol of the capital’s future. The name of Indonesia’s national team goalkeeper Emil Audero, who currently plays for Cremonese, has emerged as a strong candidate on Juventus’ radar. The sanction was imposed by the AFC because PSSI was deemed to have failed to comply with the federation’s regulations for international matches. Indonesia will face Saint Kitts and Nevis at SUGBK in the FIFA Series schedule; further details are available in the full programme.