Indonesia Set to Miss Most Europe-Based Stars at 2026 ASEAN Championship

Indonesia are expected to compete in the 2026 ASEAN Championship without most of their Europe-based players, as the tournament falls outside the FIFA international calendar. The national team could still receive a small boost if one or two overseas players are granted permission by their clubs.

Head coach John Herdman has already begun preparations by calling up 50 players for a training camp at Bali United Training Center. The squad includes several overseas-based footballers as Indonesia builds toward the regional tournament.

Among the selected names are Marselino Ferdinan and Justin Hubner, who both play in Europe. However, their availability remains uncertain because European clubs are not required to release players for non-FIFA international competitions, especially during the preseason period.

PSSI president Erick Thohir explained that the federation has worked closely with Indonesia's domestic league to ensure local clubs fully support national team call-ups. The league schedule has been adjusted to avoid conflicts, allowing Herdman to choose from the best players competing in Indonesia.

While the chances of securing Europe-based players for the ASEAN Championship remain limited, the situation is expected to improve later in the year. Indonesia could have access to more overseas talent during the FIFA-sanctioned ASEAN Cup scheduled for September and October, although a small number of diaspora players may still feature if their clubs approve the release.