Indonesia can call up 15 naturalized players in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers

Some sports news sites in Indonesia such as Bola and Bola Times believe that the Indonesian team can use up to 15 naturalized players in the rematch with the Vietnamese team in the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup. Indonesia is expected to have 5-6 more naturalized players, combined with the Indonesian-origin players who played in the 2023 Asian Cup.

Currently, the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) is having difficulties with the cases of Maarten Paes (FC Dallas - USA), Ragnar Oratmangoen (Fortuna Sittard - Netherlands) and Thon Haye (SC Heerenveen - Netherlands).

Their naturalization process still has many steps to complete. Basically, the Indonesian People's Representative Council still has to continue to carefully review the documents proving the Indonesian origin of the above 3 players.

Naturalized players play an important role in the Indonesian team.

However, PSSI leaders are very confident with this plan to add more players. They have about 1 month to resolve all the remaining issues before registering the above 3 players with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the International Football Federation (FIFA).

Meanwhile, the cases of Jay Idzes (Venezia - Italy), Nathan Tjoe (SC Heerenveen - Netherlands) are ready to play in the match against the Vietnamese team in March 2024.

PSSI also plans to call up goalkeeper Cyrus Margono (Panathinaikos B - Greece). As Ernando Ari is still injured and is not sure to recover in time, having quality goalkeepers from abroad becomes even more important for the Indonesian team.

Recently, the strength of the Indonesian team has improved significantly with the appearance of many naturalized players of Indonesian origin. Jordi Amat, Elkan Baggott or Sandy Walsh are the pillars in the defense. Ivar Jenner or Justin Hubner bring the difference in the midfield, the forward line has the appearance of Rafael Struick.

The Indonesian team will meet the Vietnamese team in two consecutive matches in the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup. These are matches that will decide the "hot seat" of coach Shin Tae-yong as well as his colleague Philippe Troussier.

Mai Phuong

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