Head coach John Herdman has officially unveiled the mystery surrounding the captain of the Indonesia National Team for the upcoming FIFA Matchday period in June 2026. The English tactician confirmed that the entire squad unanimously agreed that the captain’s armband would be worn by Persija Jakarta star, Rizky Ridho.
The Indonesia National Team is set to face Oman on June 5 and Mozambique on June 9 as part of their FIFA Matchday agenda for June 2026. All these crucial matches will be hosted at the iconic Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) in Senayan, Central Jakarta.
Unfortunately, the Garuda squad will be without their regular captain, Jay Idzes, for these fixtures. The Sassuolo player is currently sidelined as he continues his recovery from an injury, forcing his absence from the national team camp.
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Jay Idzes’ absence naturally raised questions about who would step up to lead the Indonesia National Team on the pitch. Herdman addressed this pressing matter, shedding light on the leadership decision for the Garuda squad.
“Yes, regarding the team captain. So, it is always the players who choose their captain. That is not the coach’s decision,” Herdman told reporters, including JawaPos.com, at Madya Stadium on Monday (June 1, 2026).
Herdman elaborated on his philosophy, explaining that selecting the captain falls outside his responsibilities. As a coach, his primary duties involve devising the best tactics and determining the optimal players for his squad.
“For me, my job is to determine tactics, select players, take disciplinary action if necessary, and speak to the media. But I do not choose the captain,” Herdman asserted.
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The 50-year-old coach further clarified that the players themselves are the ones who decide on the captain. Herdman emphasized that there was a collective agreement among all players to appoint Rizky Ridho as Jay Idzes’ successor for the captaincy of the Indonesia National Team.
“The team determines it (the captain). And the team chose Rizky Ridho as their captain,” Herdman revealed.
Rizky Ridho’s appointment as captain is hardly a surprise. The 24-year-old defender has frequently worn the captain’s armband for the Indonesia National Team during Shin Tae-yong’s tenure, showcasing his leadership qualities.
Beyond his experience, Rizky Ridho is also recognized as a senior player within the Indonesia National Team. The former Persebaya Surabaya player has consistently been a staple for the Garuda Squad, from youth levels all the way to the senior team.
Furthermore, Rizky Ridho also serves as the captain for Persija Jakarta, his club team. This extensive leadership background makes it perfectly understandable why his teammates have entrusted the former Persebaya Surabaya defender with the captaincy for the Indonesia National Team during the June 2026 FIFA Matchday period.
Summary
Head coach John Herdman has announced that Rizky Ridho will serve as the captain of the Indonesia National Team for the upcoming June 2026 FIFA Matchday matches against Oman and Mozambique. This decision follows a unanimous agreement among the players, as the team’s regular captain, Jay Idzes, is currently sidelined due to an injury.
Herdman emphasized that the selection of the captain is a player-led process rather than a coaching decision, reflecting his focus on tactical and squad management. With significant leadership experience from his tenure at Persija Jakarta and previous national team appearances, Ridho is widely viewed as a natural successor to lead the Garuda squad during these crucial fixtures.