PSSI Prepares Alternative Opponents for the Indonesian National Team, with the Middle East situation as the underlying consideration.

PSSI has begun drafting contingency plans for the November 2026 FIFA Match Day schedule. Should security conditions in the Middle East render planned matches unfeasible, Indonesia National Team will open options to face national sides from other global regions.

PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir confirmed the federation had already reached formal agreements with multiple Middle Eastern nations to serve as opponents for the Garuda Squad. However, security conditions remain the highest priority consideration before any plans are finalised.

"If conditions end up unsafe to hold this FIFA Match Day against sides from the region, we will have no alternative but to source match opponents from other countries," stated Erick Thohir during an official press conference held in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Erick explained PSSI will initiate formal communications with the previously agreed host nations imminently. This coordination is scheduled to conclude within 1 to 2 working days, to verify on-ground security status and confirm the viability of hosting the fixtures.

Should the Middle Eastern nations be unable to guarantee adequate event security, PSSI will source alternative opposition outside the region. This fallback plan is designed to protect the national team's Match Schedule and align with official squad preparation requirements.

"I can confirm nations on the same FIFA window including Australia and South Korea are also reviewing their own match plans for this exact same reason," he added.

John Herdman Requests Away Fixtures

Alongside opponent contingency planning, PSSI has also confirmed the core preparation framework for the upcoming November FIFA window. As formally requested by head coach John Herdman, the Garuda squad will be scheduled exclusively for away matches.

According to Erick, Herdman has emphasised that playing fixtures on opposition home soil is critical to prepare the squad for all off-field competitive challenges. Preparation extends far beyond opponent quality, to include environmental acclimatisation, international travel procedures and full logistical stress testing.

"Coach John wants the squad to properly experience the match atmosphere, local climate, every factor - including travel logistics, all of these need to be tested first hand," he stated.

Overseas match experience is intended to prepare the Indonesia side for conditions they will encounter during the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. As such, both opponent selection and match venue will be treated as high priority decisions for the squad's preparation program.

This November 2026 FIFA Match Day window will provide Herdman his first opportunity to test full squad readiness with away fixtures, delivering critical real-world experience before the team enters intensive final preparation phases for the 2027 Asian Cup.