REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- PSSI General Chairman Erick Thohir is optimistic about the launch of the FIFA Series 2026 schedule that places Jakarta as the host on March 27 and 30, 2026. The event to be held at Gelora Bung Karno Utama Stadium (SUGBK) is considered to be an ideal stage to test the new face of the Indonesian national team under the direction of new coach John Herdman.
The tournament presented a transcontinental challenge. In addition to the Garuda Squad, three nations from different confederations will take part, namely Bulgaria (UEFA), Solomon Islands (OFC), and St. Kitts and Nevis (CONCACAF).
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According to Erick, the presence of a team with a different football culture is a golden opportunity for Indonesia. “This event is not only a good test for the new coach, John Herdman, but also an opportunity for the national players to test the different abilities and playing styles of different confederations,” Erick said in Jakarta, Monday (23/2/2026).
He judged the FIFA Series to be the right momentum because the teams were directly faced with two contrasting styles of play in close proximity. It is important to measure the tactical and mental adaptation of the players against each other.
.rec-desc {padding: 7px !important;}Indonesia's inaugural match on Friday, March 27, 2026, will be an early test. Garuda's squad is scheduled to face St. Kitts and Nevis at 8:00pm. Erick highlighted the characteristics of opponents he called adopting an English style of football with the power of a quick counter-attack.
“In the first match, Indonesia will play against St. Kitts and Nevis (CONCACAF), a former British colony. Their style of play adopted a lot of British football, and also relied on counter attack,” Erick said.
This tactical test will be Herdman's first homework in compiling strategies to dampen the speed and effectiveness of opponents.
If able to get past the initial hurdle, the next challenge awaits from the winner of the duel Bulgaria versus Solomon Islands. Both teams offer different colors. The Solomon Islands are known for having technical players with strong influence in futsal and street football, while Bulgaria represents an Eastern European character who is pragmatic, disciplined in defending, and dangerous through individual moments.
Erick hopes that the 2026 FIFA Series will be an important foundation for the new era of the Indonesian national team. With a combination of new coaches and tests from three continents, he wants this event to be a catalyst for Garuda's revival on the international stage.
“I hope that the team in this era of new coaches can take advantage of this event to rebuild the strength of the team,” he said.
FIFA Series 2026 schedule in Indonesia:
Friday, March 27, 2026 Indonesia vs St. Kitts and Nevis (20.00 pm) Bulgaria vs Solomon Islands (3:30pm) Monday, March 30, 2026 Third place match (15.30 pm), Final (20.00 pm)
