FIFA Matchday June: Without Jay Idzes, John Herdman Calls Up Mathew Baker

Jakarta – As the international football calendar is set to turn over, Indonesia National Football Team has officially announced its 23-player squad prepared for two critical FIFA Matchday fixtures scheduled for June 2026. Under the leadership of head coach John Herdman, the Garuda squad is set to test their mettle against two teams from separate continents: Oman and Mozambique.

According to the schedule published 1 June 2026, the high-profile fixture against Oman will be held on 5 June 2026. Meanwhile, the second test match against the African side Mozambique will take place four days later, on 9 June 2026. Both of these high-stakes matches are confirmed to be hosted in front of tens of thousands of loyal Red and White supporters at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Senayan, Jakarta.

Squad Surprises: Injury Blow And New Call-Ups

This squad announcement has drawn sharp public attention, most notably regarding the absence of first-choice captain Jay Idzes. The coaching staff confirmed the reliable centre-back has been ruled out after sustaining a heel injury. Losing Idzes will present a clear challenge to the defensive solidity of Herdman's side.

In an unexpected precautionary move, John Herdman elected to promote promising young defender Mathew Baker. The player who has consistently impressed at youth international level has finally earned his first senior national team call-up. Baker's inclusion is projected both as a tactical option to fill the gap left by Idzes, and as a concrete step in the squad's long-term regeneration process.

Elsewhere, the coaching team also implemented significant squad rotation. Several regular call-ups including veteran defender Jordi Amat, midfielder Eliano Reijnders, and young full-back Tim Geypens were omitted from this selection. This bold decision was made as part of tactical refreshment efforts, to maintain competitive momentum and finalise the optimal squad formula ahead of upcoming international tournaments.

Official 23 Indonesia National Team Player List (June 2026 FIFA Matchday):

Goalkeepers: Emil Audero, Maarten Paes, Nadeo Argawinata.

Defenders: Kevin Diks, Yakob Sayuri, Rizky Ridho, Sandy Walsh, Elkan Baggott, Muhammad Ferarri, Justin Hubner, Nathan Tjoe-A-On, Dony Tri Pamungkas, Mathew Baker.

Midfielders: Joey Pelupessy, Rayhan Hannan, Calvin Verdonk, Ivar Jenner.

Forwards: Beckham Putra, Ragnar Oratmangoen, Ole Romeny, Mauro Zijlstra, Marselino Ferdinan, Saddil Ramdani.