Indonesia U-17 Eyes Strong Comeback with Diaspora Boost Ahead of 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup

Indonesia's U-17 national team is preparing for a fresh challenge at the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup, with plans to strengthen the squad after a disappointing exit from the AFF U-17 tournament on home soil. Under the guidance of Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto, the team is shifting its focus toward improving performance and competing at a higher level in Asia.

The upcoming tournament will place Indonesia in Group B, where they are set to face strong opponents including Japan U-17 National Team, China U-17 National Team, and Qatar U-17 National Team. This challenging group demands a well-prepared and competitive squad, prompting the coaching staff to take a more strategic approach in selecting players.

Kurniawan has confirmed that the final squad will consist of 23 players, chosen from a larger pool of 50 registered names. A thorough evaluation process is set to take place in the days leading up to the tournament, ensuring that only the most prepared and capable players make the final cut. This selection phase is seen as crucial for building a balanced and resilient team.

In addition to evaluating existing players, the team is also expecting reinforcement from three diaspora players. These additions are anticipated to bring new energy and international experience to the squad. The players identified include Matthew Baker from Melbourne City FC, Mike Rajasa who plays for FC Utrecht, and Noha Pohan Simangunsong from NAC Breda.

The 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup is scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia from May 7 to May 22, 2026. Having already secured a place in the group stage, Indonesia U-17 is now focused on building a competitive squad capable of delivering a stronger performance and making a meaningful impact in the tournament.