Indonesia to Rely on Domestic Talent as John Herdman Confirms No Europe-Based Players for AFF Cup 2026

International Friendly  -  Indonesia VS Mozambique
Match Time:09-06-2026 21:00 Tuesday (GMT+8)
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Indonesia will enter the 2026 AFF Cup with a significantly different squad after head coach John Herdman confirmed that none of the national team's Europe-based players will be available for the tournament. As a result, the squad will be built primarily around players competing in Indonesia's Super League.
Herdman explained that the coaching staff had anticipated this situation from the beginning and designed their preparations accordingly. The focus has been on assembling a group of players who can fully participate in the training camp in Bali and develop strong chemistry before the competition begins.

Despite missing several key overseas stars, Herdman praised Indonesian clubs for their willingness to support the national team. He highlighted the strong cooperation shown by Super League clubs, whose management and coaching staffs have made their players available to strengthen the Garuda squad.

Indonesia will also be without Luke Vickery after Macarthur FC declined to release the young forward during the A-League preseason. The decision ended hopes of his potential international debut at the AFF Cup, leaving the coaching staff without another promising attacking option.

With no Europe-based players and limited availability from clubs abroad, the tournament will provide an important opportunity for domestic-based players to prove their quality. Herdman will now look to build a competitive team capable of challenging for the Southeast Asian title through the strength and depth of Indonesia's local football talent.