Teknowarta – – Coach Nova Arianto has officially unveiled the highly anticipated 23-player squad set to represent the Indonesia U-19 National Team (Timnas Indonesia U-19) at the upcoming 2026 AFF U-19 Championship. This prestigious youth tournament, a highlight of Southeast Asian football, is slated to take place in Medan, North Sumatra, where Indonesia will compete as the reigning champions.
The squad announcement has immediately captured the attention of national football enthusiasts. Coach Nova Arianto’s selection is a compelling blend, featuring established young national team regulars alongside a host of promising diaspora talents who are currently honing their skills abroad. This strategic combination aims to elevate the team’s overall quality and foster a highly competitive environment within the squad.
The composition of this Garuda Muda squad underscores a commitment to balance and competitive experience, rather than solely relying on prominent names. Nova Arianto has retained several players who previously impressed with the youth national team. Key figures such as Evandra Florasta, Arkhan Kaka, and Dafa Al Gasemi have once again earned the trust to don the Indonesian colours in this pivotal tournament.
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Moreover, a contingent of young players who distinguished themselves in the Elite Pro Academy (EPA) will also seize the opportunity to showcase their abilities on the international stage. Persija Jakarta stands out as a significant contributor to this squad, providing several talented individuals. Players like Irpan Abadi, Theodore Evan, Rafa Abdurahman, and Ibra Ohorella are among those called up, serving as testament to the consistent emergence of potential talents from Indonesia’s domestic youth competitions.
Beyond domestic talent, Nova Arianto has once again extended invitations to several diaspora players to bolster the Garuda Muda squad. This move is seen as a crucial step in strengthening the team’s quality while simultaneously intensifying internal competition. Mathew Baker, Welber Jardim, and Amar Brkic, who have previously garnered significant attention, are back in the fold. Their quality and competitive experience are expected to significantly enhance the team’s performance.
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Adding to the excitement, new faces such as Eizar Jacob, Timothy Baker, and Zinadein will have the chance to make their official tournament debuts with the Timnas Indonesia U-19. The integration of diaspora players continues to be a focal point in the development of Indonesian football, with many believing that a healthy mix of local and diaspora talents can create robust competition and elevate the playing standards of the youth national teams.
Despite the anticipation surrounding these selections, Nova Arianto firmly emphasized that player choices were made based on team needs and performance during the training camp, rather than mere status or background. The 2026 AFF U-19 Championship holds immense importance for Garuda Muda. Beyond the aspiration of defending their title, this event serves as a critical platform for shaping Indonesia’s next generation of football stars.
Playing on home soil, with the passionate support of fans in Medan, undoubtedly provides a significant advantage for the Timnas Indonesia U-19. The expected fervent atmosphere is set to be an additional motivational boost for the young players to perform at their absolute best.
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In the goalkeeping department, Nova Arianto has selected Dafa Al Gasemi, Edevba Aulia, and Rendi Razzaqu, all deemed capable of maintaining defensive consistency. The backline will feature talented defenders such as Mathew Baker, Putu Panji, Fabio Azkairawan, and Amar Brkic. This blend of local and diaspora players in defense is expected to forge a more solid and resilient unit for Garuda Muda.
Moving to the midfield, Evandra Florasta is widely anticipated to be the team’s engine. The young Bhayangkara FC midfielder has demonstrated consistent impressive performances with the youth national teams. Alongside Evandra, Welber Jardim and Zinadein are expected to provide creativity in attack while maintaining tactical balance.
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For the attacking frontline, Nova Arianto has entrusted Arkhan Kaka, Reno Salampessy, Theodore Evan, Irpan Abadi, and Dimas Adi. Arkhan Kaka, the young forward from Persis Solo, stands out as a key player, known for his sharp goal-scoring instinct and considerable international experience at the youth level. Meanwhile, Reno Salampessy, the wonderkid from Persipura Jayapura, is another player poised to make a significant impact, with his performances for his club and youth teams already generating considerable buzz.
With such a promising squad, the Timnas Indonesia U-19 is expected to once again vie for top honours in Southeast Asia. However, the competition will be fierce, with strong contenders like Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia also bringing their best. Nova Arianto has urged his players to remain focused and not to become complacent due to their status as defending champions, emphasizing that every match at the Southeast Asian level is highly competitive and demands full concentration.
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This tournament also provides a crucial stage for these young Indonesian players to demonstrate their quality before a national audience. Strong performances at the 2026 AFF U-19 Championship could pave the way to higher levels, including potential call-ups to the senior national team in the future. Now, the great hopes of Indonesian football are once again fixed on the Garuda Muda. With unwavering fan support and meticulous preparation, the Timnas Indonesia U-19 aims not only to defend its title but also to usher in a new golden generation for national football.
Summary
Coach Nova Arianto has officially revealed the 23-player squad for the Indonesia U-19 National Team, which will compete in the 2026 AFF U-19 Championship in Medan. As reigning champions, Indonesia’s squad features a compelling blend of established young national team regulars and promising diaspora talents. Key figures like Evandra Florasta and Arkhan Kaka are joined by diaspora players such as Mathew Baker, Welber Jardim, and Amar Brkic, alongside new faces like Eizar Jacob.
The selection process emphasized team needs and performance during training camp, aiming to create a highly competitive environment. This championship is crucial for shaping Indonesia’s next generation of football stars, with strong performances potentially paving the way to the senior national team. Playing on home soil, the Timnas Indonesia U-19 aims to defend its title and usher in a new golden generation for national football, despite facing fierce competition.