Preparation For 2026 World Cup Qualification, Indonesian National Team Gathers At The End Of May

The Indonesian national team is again undergoing the 2026 World Cup Qualification (doc. PSSI).

The Indonesian national team has been waiting for the agenda for the second round of Group F of the 2026 World Cup Qualification against Iraq and the Philippines. The Garuda squad will be collected by Shin Tae-yong at the end of May 2024 to prepare.

This was conveyed by the Chairman of the National Team Agency (BTN), Sumardji. He said that the specified deadline was based on the results of discussions with Shin Tae-yong, including considering the presence of abroad players.

"I have discussed with coach Shin Tae-yong. I asked about the plan to summon players who will be used for the Indonesian national team (in the 2026 World Cup Qualification)," Sumardji said in a statement quoted on Monday, May 13, 2024.

"God willing, later (the players) will gather on 27 (May) 2024 night in Jakarta as a whole. Hopefully, naturalized players can gather together, yes, no later than May 28, 2024," he said again.

Sumardji realized that the deadline for signing players was quite tight with the competition agenda. However, he hopes that this can still be used optimally to rebuild chemistry between players.

"We will use the available time to hold TC so that (players) are familiar again. Of course, the goal is to build chemistry because this is more important related to chemistry," said Sumardji.

The Indonesian national team will continue their struggle in Group F of the 2026 World Cup Qualification on June 6, 2024 against Iraq. Five days later, the Garuda Squad will also challenge the Philippines.

The two matches will be held at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Senayan, Jakarta.

The Indonesian national team only needs one win to advance to the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification as well as automatically qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup.

The Garuda squad currently sits in second place with a collection of seven points, four points ahead of Vietnam who are in third place and five points adrift of Iraq at the top of the standings and have confirmed their way through.