Indonesia strengthens its attack, determined to get a ticket to the 2026 World Cup
"Mauro Zijlstra is definitely a necessary addition to the Indonesian team in the fourth qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup in Asia, as well as in youth teams like the U.23. We still lack many young players with ability. Therefore, the presence of this player will be a timely addition and preparation for Indonesian football as well as for his club in the future," Mr. Erick Thohir confirmed to the Indonesian press in Tangerang on July 2.
The Indonesian team (in white) faces a huge challenge in the fourth qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup in Asia, because they will compete in Qatar or Saudi Arabia.
Photo: Reuters
Also according to Mr. Erick Thohir: "I have sent the letter of naturalization of the players, including Mauro Zijlstra, to the Minister of Youth and Sports. They are very open. Then, from the Minister of Youth and Sports, it is expected that this week it will be sent to the Minister of Law, then next week of course it can be sent to the Minister of Foreign Affairs . And of course, it is possible to receive support from the President. After that, the naturalization process will take place at the competent authorities".
According to CNN Indonesia, striker Mauro Zijlstra is playing for FC Volendam, who have just been promoted to the Dutch Eredivisie for the 2025-2026 season. Last season, in the first division, this player scored 17 goals and had 4 assists after 21 matches. Most of the time, he played for the FC Volendam youth team. In the first team of this club, Mauro Zijlstra played a total of 7 matches.
Mauro Zijlstra was born in Zaandam, the Netherlands, but his family is from Bandung (Indonesia), so after agreeing to naturalize, everything is progressing quickly. CNN Indonesia also confirmed that this striker will be added to the team list to compete in the fourth qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup in Asia (taking place in mid-October).
Before deciding to become an Indonesian citizen, Mauro Zijlstra also signed a contract extension with FC Volendam until June 2027. This striker hopes that together with the naturalized striker who has proven his ability, Ole Romeny, he will significantly strengthen the Indonesian national team's attack. In the context, other previously naturalized players who are older, such as Thom Haye (30 years old), Rafael Struick (22 years old), Nathan Tjoe-A-On (23 years old), have not yet proven their talent as expected and are unemployed.
CNN Indonesia also added that in addition to Mauro Zijlstra naturalizing for the men's team, PSSI will also naturalize three more players for the country's women's team: Isabel Kopp, Isabelle Nottet and Pauline van de Pol, all of Dutch origin.
In the fourth qualifying round of the Asian region (from October 8 to 14), 6 teams including Indonesia, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE are divided into 2 groups (drawing ceremony on July 17).
The top team in each group will win the remaining two official tickets to the 2026 World Cup. The two second-placed teams in each group will play a play-off match (two home and away matches), and the winner will advance to the Intercontinental play-off round. Also in the fourth qualifying round, the two host teams of the two groups have been determined to be Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/indonesia-lai-nhap-tich-nong-vi-chiec-ve-du-world-cup-2026-185250703090457567.htm
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