FIFA delivers disappointing news for Indonesian football

Ahead of the FIFA Series 2026, the Indonesian squad was surprised by unfavorable news from FIFA, at a time when the team was counting on the home event to review players and perfect their strategy.

According to Bola Sport, Indonesia will be one of the host countries for the FIFA Series 2026, with matches scheduled between March 23 and 31, 2026. Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (Jakarta) has been chosen as the venue for Indonesia’s home games.

So far, St. Kitts and Nevis is the only confirmed opponent set to face Indonesia at the FIFA Series 2026. The other two opponents have not yet been officially announced by FIFA, but it is expected that participating teams will come from various confederations to create intercontinental matchups.

Despite playing on home soil, Indonesia will definitely be without two key players, Thom Haye and Shayne Pattynama. Both players are currently serving four-match bans imposed by FIFA, making them ineligible to participate in the FIFA Series 2026.

The absence of Thom Haye and Shayne Pattynama is considered a significant professional loss, as both have been regular starters for Indonesia recently. With the coaching staff hoping the FIFA Series will be an important chance to test personnel, adjust tactics, and build team cohesion, missing these two pillars will certainly impact preparation plans.

The FIFA Series 2026 is the first fully expanded edition of the FIFA Series initiative, following a successful trial event in March 2024. The competition will take place during international windows in March and April 2026, offering national teams from multiple continents the opportunity to compete beyond traditional confederation boundaries.

According to FIFA’s announcement, Indonesia is among the host countries for the men’s FIFA Series, alongside Australia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, and Uzbekistan. The FIFA Series aligns with FIFA’s Strategic Goals for 2023–2027, focusing on enhancing competitive balance, developing skills, and promoting interaction among different football cultures.