Shin Tae-Yong Only Boyong 25 Players Towards Iraq, Yakob Sayuri And Andy Setyo Absen

Indonesian national team players heading to Iraq. (photo: Instagram.com/@timas.indonesia)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team will not be strengthened by two players in the match against Iraq. The meeting was the first match on Group A of the 2026 World Cup Qualification which will be held on November 16.

Initially, Shin Tae-yong as the head coach projected that he would bring 27 names to compete at the Basra International Stadium, Iraq. However, two players canceled joining, they were Yakob Sayuri and Andy Setyo.

"There are two players who did not leave, namely Yakob Sayuri because they were married and Andy Setyo who was injured," said PSSI Technical Director Indra Sjafri in a written statement quoted on Monday, November 13.

With the absence of the two names, Shin Tae-yong could only use the 25 names of the remaining players. However, the players are reportedly in top condition and have been in Iraq for preparations ahead of the match.

Currently, some of the national team squads are already in Iraq, the departure of the players is divided into two groups. The first batch consists of 16 players who have departed since Sunday, November 12 in the morning.

Two players, namely Adam Alis and Nadeo Argawinata, followed on Monday, November 13. The two of them first defended their club, Borneo FC in the League 1 competition.

Meanwhile, Abroad players will mostly head straight to Iraq from their respective club countries. They will all soon gather and prepare themselves against Jesus Casas' side.

The Indonesian national team departed for Iraq using Emirates aircraft on Sunday 12 November at 00.15 WIB and arrived at Basra at 09.00 local time, "

There were 16 players who left early this morning from Jakarta. The players who left on Monday, November 13 in the morning WIB from Bali were Adam Alis and Nadeo," said Indra Sjafri.

"Abroad players who depart from their respective countries go directly to Basra, there are seven players," explained Indra Sjafri.

After the match against Iraq, the Garuda Squad must be ready again. Because five days later they returned to face the Philippines at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.