Teknowarta – The Indonesian U-17 National Team has announced a significant change to its squad ahead of the U-17 Asian Cup 2026, with star striker Mirza Fierjatullah officially withdrawn due to injury. The revelation came directly from head coach Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto, confirming a major setback for the Young Garuda just days before their departure.
While the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) has yet to formally release the official roster, Coach Kurniawan has finalized the 23-man squad destined for the prestigious U-17 Asian Cup 2026. He elaborated that 21 players would depart from Jakarta, a group that already includes the promising Mathew Baker. The remaining two key players, Noha Pohan and Mike Rajasa, are set to join the squad directly in Saudi Arabia, where the tournament will be held.
“Yes, 21 players are departing from Jakarta, as Noah and Mike will link up with us in Saudi. Additionally, six players have been sent back to their respective clubs,” Kurniawan stated when meeting with journalists, including JawaPos.com, at the Sultan Hotel in Jakarta on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Initially, Kurniawan’s provisional squad for the U-17 Asian Cup comprised 29 players. However, with tournament regulations capping the final roster at 23, the coach faced the tough decision of cutting six names. Among these, the exclusion of Mirza Fierjatullah stands out, primarily due to a serious hamstring injury that has unfortunately sidelined the 17-year-old forward for an estimated six weeks.
Coach Kurniawan, known for his pragmatic approach, detailed the gravity of Mirza’s condition. “Mirza is one of them because the MRI results conclusively showed that he is not fit to play, and it would be very dangerous to force it. He requires a minimum of four to six weeks of rest before he can resume activities,” the bald-headed coach explained. He further listed the other five players who were cut: goalkeeper Syahdan Caesar, along with Handri Dimas, Shoyyo Himawan, Alfa Al Faruqi, and I Komang Semadi.
The signs of Mirza’s impending withdrawal were evident during the Indonesian U-17 National Team’s training session at Field A Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday, April 24, 2026. The Garuda United U-18 player was observed undergoing separate training on the sidelines, already grappling with the hamstring issue that ultimately led to his exclusion.
As confirmed, the U-17 Asian Cup 2026 will take place in Saudi Arabia, running centrally from May 5 to May 22, 2026. The Indonesian U-17 National Team is scheduled to fly to Saudi Arabia on Saturday afternoon, April 25, 2026, WIB, eager to begin their campaign.
In the highly anticipated tournament, Indonesia U-17 finds itself in a challenging Group B, alongside football powerhouses Japan, China, and Qatar. The Young Garuda will kick off their journey against China on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. This will be followed by their second match against host nation Qatar on Friday, May 9, and they will conclude their Group B fixtures by facing formidable Japan on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, aiming to secure a spot in the knockout stages.
Summary
Mierza Firjatullah has been officially withdrawn from the Indonesian U-17 National Team for the U-17 Asian Cup 2026 due to a serious hamstring injury requiring 4-6 weeks of recovery. Head coach Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto confirmed this decision, stating that MRI results showed Mierza was unfit to play. The final 23-man squad has been set, with 21 players, including Mathew Baker, departing from Jakarta, while Noha Pohan and Mike Rajasa will join directly in Saudi Arabia. Five other players were also sent back to their respective clubs.
The U-17 Asian Cup 2026 will take place in Saudi Arabia from May 5 to May 22, 2026, with the Indonesian U-17 National Team scheduled to depart on Saturday afternoon, April 25. Indonesia U-17 is placed in a challenging Group B alongside Japan, China, and Qatar. They will kick off their campaign against China on May 5, followed by matches against host nation Qatar on May 9, and formidable Japan on May 12.