Indonesia's national team coach feels fortunate that clubs are releasing players for the Asean Cup

John Herdman feels fortunate that Persib, Persija, Bali United, and various clubs are backing the team by allowing their players to join the Indonesian squad for the 2026 AFF Cup.

Indonesian national team head coach John Herdman has expressed his gratitude to the clubs for facilitating the players' participation in the national team's preparations for the 2026 AFF Cup.

The English tactician has called up a total of 50 players for the Indonesian national team's training camp at the Bali United Training Center in Gianyar, starting July 5, 2026.

Currently, Herdman is leading the first phase of the training camp with around 23 players, before moving on to the second phase of the gathering.

"I truly feel very fortunate to work in Indonesia, because the clubs here give absolute support to the national team," Herdman shared.

Persib Bandung and Persija Jakarta are the two clubs contributing the most players to the Indonesian national team, with 11 call-ups, followed by Dewa United with five players.

"Persib, Persija, Bali United, and many other clubs have sent numerous players to join the national team camp.

It's wonderful to see the club owners and coaches showing such great support."

Coach Herdman emphasized that the 2026 AFF Cup plays a very important role in helping domestic league players gain international experience, even though the tournament is not part of the FIFA Days calendar.

"Therefore, I want to thank everyone who has supported the Indonesian national team during the preparation for the AFF Cup.

This tournament is very significant for the development of local players, and we will do our best to achieve the best results," the 50-year-old coach affirmed.

The 2026 ASEAN Cup will kick off at the end of July. Indonesia is in Group A alongside defending champions Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia, and Timor-Leste.

According to the plan, the Indonesian national team will train domestically in preparation for their opening match of the 2026 ASEAN Cup against Cambodia at the Pakansari Stadium on July 27. Indonesia will face Vietnam in the third match of Group A on August 3, a game expected to decide the top two positions in the group.