Back with the Garuda Squad, Dean James Reveals the Meaning of Playing for Indonesia

Dean James has returned to the Indonesia National Team squad for the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup. The Go Ahead Eagles left back has welcomed this call-up with great enthusiasm, having missed the previous two international fixtures.

James was not included in head coach John Herdman's selected player list for both the March and June international match windows. Now, the 26-year old defender has once again been given the opportunity to represent the Garuda squad.

“Yes, of course I'm really excited. I wasn't called up for the last two occasions, so I'm very happy to be able to join the team again,” James stated in an interview at Goffertstadion on Sunday, after his club Go Ahead Eagles held NEC Nijmegen to a 1-1 draw in the Dutch League fixture.

James' return adds valuable experience to Indonesia's defensive line. To date, he has recorded five senior appearances for the national team.

For James, the chance to represent Indonesia goes far beyond just taking part in international matches. He explained that playing for the national team carries special meaning, as he takes to the pitch backed by the enormous support of the entire Indonesian public.

“First and foremost, I am incredibly grateful to have received this call-up. And honestly, the feeling of playing for 280 million people is something I cannot even put into words. It is such an amazing feeling every time I step onto that field for Indonesia,” said the 26-year old left back.

John Herdman Contacted Dean James Directly

James also shared how he found out about his return to the national squad, revealing that he received the news personally via a phone call from head coach John Herdman.

“The coach just called me. It was as simple as that,” he remarked.

This call has handed James the chance to once again experience international football with Indonesia, after sitting out the team's last two match schedules.

Indonesia To Face Singapore In Tournament Opener

Indonesia will host Division 1 of the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup. All Group A matches will be held at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, while Group B fixtures will take place at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium.

Indonesia have been drawn into Group A alongside Malaysia, Singapore and Bangladesh. The Garuda squad will open their tournament campaign against Singapore on Friday 25 September, with kick-off scheduled for 20.00 WIB.

Having once again earned the trust of the national team coaching staff, James has stated his hope that the squad can put in a strong performance and secure positive results throughout the tournament.

“I have been part of the squad before, circumstances just meant I was unable to join for the last two call-ups. All I want now is for us to get good results here. I really cannot wait to get started,” he added.

Meanwhile, Group B consists of Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam and Pakistan.

Under tournament regulations, the winners of Group A and Group B will advance directly to the final match. The two group runners-up will instead meet in a third-place playoff fixture.

Both the final match and the third-place playoff are scheduled to be held on 5 October at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium.

For Dean James, the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup represents the perfect opportunity to re-establish his contribution to the Indonesia National Team, following his absence from the side's previous two international programmes. He is now preparing to once again wear the Garuda jersey in front of Indonesian supporters.