FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026: Kevin Diks Named Captain of the Indonesian National Team, Luke Vickery Is In Line For a Starting Match Placement.

Coach John Herdman has opened the possibility for Luke Vickery to start in Indonesia's first XI for their opening 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup fixture against Singapore. Meanwhile, Kevin Diks has been appointed captain of the Indonesian National Team for this tournament, after first-choice captain Jay Idzes was ruled out through injury.

"He plays very direct and carries a natural goalscoring instinct. He has a strong chance to make it into the starting eleven," Herdman stated regarding Vickery's prospects, speaking at Madya Stadium, Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta on Tuesday.

Vickery provides Herdman with a different option in the attacking line. His direct playing style and finishing instinct are the traits that have put the 2006-born player under consideration for the opening match.

That said, Herdman has not guaranteed Vickery a starting spot. Competition remains open for all players attending training, as the coaching staff still have time to finalise their optimal line-up.

"But I believe every player present with us tonight has a fair chance. They will compete internally over the next two days to earn the right to feature in this big match this Friday," he said.

This opportunity to start did not come out of nowhere for Vickery. The 20-year-old winger had already joined multiple Indonesian national team training camps prior to officially being granted Indonesian citizenship on 16 July 2026.

Herdman had already become familiar with Vickery during training camps held in May and June. At that time, Vickery was still undergoing the naturalisation process, meaning he was not eligible to represent the Garuda in official matches.

"Yes, Luke Vickery. We first called him up for the May training camp. He spent four days with us then, before staying for the full duration of the June camp. All up he has already trained around seven to eight days with the squad, even back when he had not yet formally completed his citizenship," Herdman explained.

Now, after receiving Indonesian citizenship on 16 July 2026 and being named in the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup squad, Vickery is set for far greater on-pitch opportunities.

Kevin Diks also gave a positive assessment of Vickery. Alongside Vickery, Diks also highlighted Mitchell Baker, another new Indonesia forward who previously featured at the 2026 AFF Cup.

According to Diks, both players have demonstrated a positive attitude ever since they first joined training, including during the period before they formally received Indonesian citizenship.

"I have nothing but good things to say. These are both exceptional talents. They are fully receptive to feedback, and very eager to learn. There is nothing negative I can say about either of them," stated the Borussia Mönchengladbach player.

For the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, Diks has taken on an elevated responsibility. He was named Indonesian national team captain following Jay Idzes' unavailability.

This appointment is a significant milestone for Diks, who had already stepped into leadership duties for the Garuda squad on previous occasions when Idzes was absent. During the June FIFA Match Day window, the captain's armband had been handed to Rizky Ridho.

"This is a huge honour for me. Even before this, I always tried to contribute as much as I could within the squad. Now that Jay is not here, I will step up even further," Diks told reporters at Madya Stadium, Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta on Tuesday.

Diks recognises that with Idzes absent, other squad members must take on greater responsibility. He is ready to fulfil this role, while keeping the entire team focused on their tournament targets.

"We all miss Jay, but the fact is he cannot be here right now. That means all of us have to step up. I was selected as captain, and I believe I can help carry this team forward going forward," stated Diks, who is entering his second season competing in the German Bundesliga.

Indonesia will begin their 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup campaign against Singapore at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, on Friday 25 September, kicking off at 20:00 WIB.

Following the Singapore fixture, the Garuda will face Malaysia in their second Group A match on Monday 28 September. This meeting with Malaysia is one of the most anticipated fixtures of the group stage, due to the long-standing rivalry between the two nations.

However, Diks has refused to let the squad look ahead to that match prematurely. The entire current focus of the squad is to secure the best possible result in their opening fixture against Singapore.

"Yes, of course. I have heard all about that rivalry. But first, we have Singapore to face," he concluded.