The Prodigal Son Returns: Elkan Baggott Set to Rejoin Indonesia’s National Team

Chairman of the National Team Board (BTN) Sumardji confirmed that defender Elkan Baggott will return to strengthen the Indonesian National Team. This certainty emerged ahead of the first squad announcement to be selected by head coach John Herdman.

Herdman is scheduled to soon release the list of players to be called up to the Garuda squad after being officially appointed as Indonesian National Team Coach last January.

The selected best squad will later prepare for the FIFA Series 2026 tournament held at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta, in late March.

Sumardji verified that Elkan Baggott will return to strengthen the Indonesian national team in FIFA Series 2026.

For Baggott, this call-up marks a comeback moment after a considerable absence from the Indonesian national team. The defender, currently playing for English club Ipswich Town, last represented the Red and White at the 2023 Asian Cup in Qatar.

At that time, Baggott appeared in the Round of 16 when Indonesia lost 0-4 to Australia in January 2024.

Since that match, Baggott was excluded from the national team squad for 14 matches during the remainder of Shin Tae-yong's coaching era.

When Patrick Kluivert later took the coaching position, the 22-year-old player also didn't get an opportunity to rejoin the Garuda squad in eight national team matches.

The FIFA Series 2026 tournament will be the next stage for the Indonesian national team. As host, the Garuda squad is scheduled to face Saint Kitts and Nevis in their first match on March 27 at 20:00 WIB at SUGBK.

On the same day, another match will feature Bulgaria against Solomon Islands, scheduled for kick-off at 15:30 WIB.

The two winning teams will meet in the final on March 30 at 20:00 WIB. Meanwhile, the losing teams will play for third place on the same day at 15:30 WIB.