John Herdman Eyes Trio of Bali United Stars for Piala AFF 2026 Squad as Timnas Indonesia Intensifies Preparations
Bali, Indonesia – July 18, 2026 – As the Indonesian national football team, affectionately known as Garuda, ramps up its preparations for the highly anticipated Piala AFF 2026, head coach John Herdman has identified a promising trio from Bali United as potential key players for the upcoming regional tournament. The focus has squarely landed on midfielder Jens Raven, rising star Tim Geypens, and the experienced Kadek Agung, all of whom are currently participating in the team’s intensive training camp held at the Bali United Training Centre (BUTC).
The selection of these Bali United players underscores Herdman’s strategic approach to building a formidable squad capable of competing at the highest level in Southeast Asia. The Piala AFF, a biennial tournament that pits the region’s strongest national teams against each other, represents a significant benchmark for Indonesian football, and Herdman is leaving no stone unturned in his quest for success. The current training camp, strategically located in Bali, provides an ideal environment for the team to gel and for the coaching staff to assess the capabilities of individual players under intense pressure.
Herdman, a respected tactician known for his ability to foster team spirit and extract peak performance from his players, spoke candidly about the potential of the Bali United contingent. "Every player has potential," Herdman stated on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from the training facilities. "This week will be a very decisive one. We will have a closed-door match against Bali United, after which I will evaluate the squad." This direct approach highlights Herdman’s commitment to making informed decisions based on tangible on-field performance.
The inclusion of Jens Raven, Tim Geypens, and Kadek Agung in the national team setup is a testament to their consistent performances at the club level and their perceived ability to contribute to the national cause. While Raven is a player Herdman has had some prior familiarity with, Geypens and Agung are relatively new additions to his direct observation, making their performances in this camp particularly crucial.
Herdman expressed his satisfaction with the progress of Geypens and Agung, noting their immediate impact on the training sessions. "I am pleased with Tim’s and Agung’s performances," he remarked. "I know Jens a little better already, but Agung and Tim are new players for me. And they have truly impressed me." This endorsement from the head coach carries significant weight, signaling that these players are firmly on his radar for the final Piala AFF squad.
The Emerging Talents: Geypens and Agung Under the Spotlight
The performances of Tim Geypens and Kadek Agung have particularly caught Herdman’s eye. Geypens, a recent acquisition who joined the Bali United fold only a few days prior to the national team call-up, has shown remarkable adaptability and skill during his initial interactions with the squad. His integration into the team dynamics has been swift, and his potential to offer a dynamic presence in midfield or attack is a prospect Herdman is keen to explore further.
Kadek Agung, on the other hand, represents a more established presence within Indonesian football, having been a product of Bali United’s robust youth development system. Herdman was quick to acknowledge the positive influence of Teco Cugurra, the former Bali United head coach, on Agung’s development. "Agung is very disciplined in his role as a midfielder and understands tactical aspects well. I think he has clearly received good development from Coach Teco here," Herdman commented, highlighting the player’s tactical intelligence and positional awareness. This praise suggests that Agung’s experience and understanding of the game make him a valuable asset for the national team’s midfield strategy.
Regarding Tim Geypens, Herdman sees immense potential for growth. "Tim, in my opinion, has very great potential. He is still young, and I hope this tournament and this opportunity can bring out his best abilities," the coach added. This statement indicates a long-term vision for Geypens, viewing the Piala AFF not just as a platform for immediate contribution but also as a crucial developmental stepping stone for the young player. His integration into the squad could inject fresh energy and provide the team with different tactical options, especially given his youth and presumed eagerness to prove himself on the international stage.
Jens Raven’s Pathway to the Squad: Filling a Potential Void
The situation surrounding Jens Raven’s potential inclusion in the final Piala AFF 2026 squad has also been clarified, with a significant development impacting the team’s attacking options. Herdman confirmed that striker Mauro Zijlstra, who was previously considered a key player, will be unavailable for the tournament due to a hamstring injury. This unfortunate setback for Zijlstra inadvertently opens up a potential pathway for Raven.
"The English coach confirmed that the Persija Jakarta striker will not be available for Piala AFF 2026, as Zijlstra suffered a hamstring injury some time ago," the report states, detailing the impact of Zijlstra’s absence. Herdman’s acknowledgment of Raven’s potential to step into this void suggests that Raven’s versatility and goal-scoring ability will be crucial in compensating for Zijlstra’s absence. His familiarity with the Indonesian footballing landscape, coupled with his ongoing participation in the training camp, positions him as a strong candidate to fill the attacking gap.
The Road to Piala AFF 2026: A Strategic Timeline
The Piala AFF 2026 is scheduled to commence later this year, with the exact dates and host nations yet to be officially announced by the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF). However, the Indonesian national team’s preparations are well underway, with the current training camp in Bali marking a critical phase.
July 2026:
- Early to Mid-July: Players begin reporting for the national team training camp at Bali United Training Centre (BUTC). Initial fitness assessments and introductory training sessions are conducted.
- Mid-July: Head coach John Herdman begins intensive tactical drills and team-building exercises. Focus shifts to evaluating individual player performances and assessing squad chemistry.
- July 18, 2026: Herdman speaks to the media, highlighting the potential of Bali United trio Jens Raven, Tim Geypens, and Kadek Agung, and announcing an upcoming closed-door match against Bali United for further evaluation.
Late July to August 2026:
- Late July: The closed-door match against Bali United takes place, providing Herdman with crucial insights into the players’ match fitness and tactical execution. Post-match evaluations commence.
- August: The training camp is expected to conclude, with Herdman likely to announce the preliminary squad for Piala AFF 2026. Further training sessions and friendly matches, potentially against other national teams or strong club sides, may be scheduled before the tournament proper.
September – December 2026 (Projected Tournament Period):
- September onwards: The Piala AFF 2026 tournament is anticipated to take place. The Indonesian national team will aim to progress through the group stages and challenge for the championship title.
Supporting Data and Context
The Piala AFF has a rich history, with the tournament serving as a crucial platform for Southeast Asian nations to showcase their footballing prowess. Singapore holds the record for the most titles with four, followed by Thailand with six. Indonesia has been a consistent contender, reaching the final on six occasions but has yet to lift the coveted trophy. This historical context underscores the significance of Piala AFF 2026 for the Indonesian footballing fraternity, with immense pressure on Herdman and his squad to break this long-standing jinx.
The performance of local league players in the national team has often been a subject of discussion. The inclusion of players like Kadek Agung, who have honed their skills within the Indonesian Liga 1, demonstrates Herdman’s belief in the domestic talent pool. His specific mention of Agung’s tactical discipline, likely honed through years of playing under experienced coaches like Teco Cugurra, highlights the importance of structured development programs within Indonesian clubs.
Furthermore, the integration of younger players like Tim Geypens into the national setup signals a forward-thinking approach. His potential to blossom into a key player in future tournaments is a strategic investment by the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) and Herdman. The experience gained at the Piala AFF level, regardless of individual game time, is invaluable for the development of emerging talent.
Broader Impact and Implications
The strategic decisions made by John Herdman in selecting his Piala AFF 2026 squad will have far-reaching implications for Indonesian football. A strong showing in the tournament could boost national morale, attract greater investment into the sport, and inspire a new generation of footballers. Conversely, an underperformance could lead to renewed scrutiny and pressure on the coaching staff and the PSSI.
The focus on players from Bali United, a club known for its competitive edge and commitment to developing talent, is a positive indicator. The synergy between the national team and strong domestic clubs is vital for sustained success. Herdman’s ability to effectively blend experienced players with emerging talents, while also considering players based abroad, will be a key determinant of the team’s overall strength.
The injury to Mauro Zijlstra, while unfortunate, presents an opportunity for players like Jens Raven to step up. This demonstrates the depth of talent within the squad and the competitive nature of selections. Herdman’s transparent approach to player evaluation, particularly through the use of closed-door matches, suggests a data-driven and performance-oriented selection process.
Ultimately, the success of Jens Raven, Tim Geypens, and Kadek Agung at the Piala AFF 2026, and their contributions to the national team’s campaign, will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike. Their performances will not only shape the immediate future of Indonesian football but also serve as a benchmark for future talent identification and development within the PSSI’s strategic vision. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the final shape of the Garuda squad and their prospects for regional glory.
