7M - Indonesia Vs Bulgaria: Herdman Warns Of Physical Challenge In FIFA Series 2026 Clash

Indonesia will face Bulgaria in a FIFA Series 2026 friendly on Monday March 30 2026 at Stadion Utama Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta with kick off at 20:00 WIB. The match marks a significant step up for the Garuda squad following their dominant 4-0 victory over Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Head coach John Herdman has cautioned that Bulgaria presents a completely different test. Ranked 85th globally and managed by Aleksandar Dimitrov, the European side features players with superior physical stature and strength.

"Bulgaria is a different team, they are physically bigger and stronger athletes," Herdman told media during a pre-match press conference one day before the fixture.

He added that Bulgaria plays with strong organization and quick transitions. "They are very well organized and their transitions are much more structured and faster," he noted.

Herdman emphasized that Indonesia must start with greater intensity than they showed against Saint Kitts. "For us, the preparation is that we must start stronger than we did against Saint Kitts," he stated.

The coaching staff expects a demanding opening period and has prepared the squad to stay focused and professional from the first whistle.