John Herdman Explains Elkan Baggott Call-Up for Indonesia FIFA Series 2026

Jakarta – Indonesia’s national team coach, John Herdman, has confirmed the inclusion of Elkan Baggott in the final squad for the upcoming FIFA Series 2026, citing the Ipswich Town defender’s potential and professional approach. The selection marks a potential comeback for Baggott, who last represented Indonesia in January 2024.

Herdman revealed his reasoning behind selecting the 23-year-vintage Baggott during a press conference on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. While speculation had suggested a shared British background as a factor, Herdman emphasized his assessment of Baggott’s capabilities. “Because of his height – seven feet! No, I’m joking,” Herdman said, according to reports. “Because he, I believe Elkan, I had the opportunity to see him play before for Indonesia, I was incredibly impressed.”

The coach highlighted Baggott’s experience playing in the English Championship, noting the high intensity of his training regimen. “He plays in the English Championship. He trains with an intensity, which, for me, is at a very high level. So I hope he can bring that professionalism here,” Herdman added.

Baggott’s age was also a consideration in his selection. Herdman views the defender as a key part of the future of the Indonesian national team. “He is a young player. I think he is the future of the national team. And I hope he delivers a great performance in these two matches,” Herdman stated.

The Indonesian national team will face Saint Kitts and Nevis in their first match of the FIFA Series on March 27th at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta. Following that, they will compete against either Bulgaria or the Solomon Islands on March 30th at the same venue. Baggott has earned 24 caps for Indonesia, scoring two goals, but has seen limited playing time for Ipswich Town this season, making only two cup appearances, though he has recently been on the bench for Championship matches.

Herdman, who previously managed Canada’s men’s and women’s teams, New Zealand’s women and Toronto FC, recently announced a 27-player squad for the FIFA Series, drawing on the precedent set by previous national team coaches Simon McMenemy, Shin Tae-yong, and Patrick Kluivert, who typically named between 27 and 28 players.