Garuda Calling: List of 32 Players for the Indonesian National Team

PSSI has officially released the list of 32 players for the Indonesian national team to face two crucial matches in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers (Asian zone) against China and Japan. Head coach Patrick Kluivert has assembled a squad that combines experience with promising young talent. However, there are two major highlights: the return of Stefano Lilipaly and the complete absence of players from Persib Bandung.

Despite recently winning the 2024/2025 Liga 1 title, not a single Persib Bandung player made it into the 32-man squad. This decision has raised questions from the public, as Persib has traditionally been a regular contributor to the national team. This indicates that the coach prioritizes individual performance and tactical fit over club achievements alone.

The squad clearly reflects Patrick Kluivert’s tactical approach: a well-balanced blend of experienced players and emerging talents, with a strong focus on compatibility with the national team’s playing style. The return of Stefano Lilipaly brings a new dimension to the attack, while the absence of Persib players highlights that no one is guaranteed a spot — performance is what truly matters.