Indonesian team naturalizes young Dutch star, determined to win ticket to World Cup 2026

(Dan Tri) - Dutch-born striker Ole Romeny has officially sworn in as an Indonesian citizen, thereby qualifying him to play for the Indonesian team in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers this March.

The oath-taking ceremony was presided over by Indonesian Law Minister, Supratman Andi Agtas, and took place in London (UK) on February 8. London was chosen as the location for the oath-taking ceremony because Olee Romeny is still playing for his club, Oxford United.

Ole Romeny officially took the oath of office to become an Indonesian citizen on February 8 (Photo: Bola).

Romeny used to play for the Netherlands U15 and U18 teams. However, last November, he decided to choose the Indonesian team to contribute.

Although this striker was born in the Netherlands, thanks to his Indonesian grandmother, the naturalization process was quite smooth and quick. After more than 3 months, the striker born in 2000 also has Indonesian nationality.

The arrival of Ole Romeny is expected to address the problems in the Indonesian national team's forward line. The 24-year-old striker is expected to make his debut when coach Patrick Kluivert's team will face Australia (March 20) and Bahrain (March 25) in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Ole Romeny will strengthen Indonesia's attack in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers (Photo: Getty).

"Hopefully, with the presence of Ole Romeny in the national team, Garuda's attacking power will be even sharper. And this can have a positive impact on the Indonesian team," said the president of the Indonesian Football Federation, Erick Thohir.

Romeny has the chance to play as a striker alongside Marselino Ferdinandan and Rafael Struick when Indonesia play Australia, especially since striker Ragnar Oratmangoen will definitely miss the match against Australia after receiving a red card in the match against Saudi Arabia.

The Indonesian team is temporarily ranked 3rd in Group C of the 3rd qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup in Asia after 6 rounds, behind Japan and Australia.

However, the two third qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup this March will change the situation of this group a lot when there are 3 other teams with 6 points like Indonesia, while Australia in 2nd place is only 1 point ahead of the remaining opponents.

Ranking of the 3rd qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup in Asia in Group C (Photo: Wiki).

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/tuyen-indonesia-nhap-tich-sao-tre-ha-lan-quyet-gianh-ve-du-world-cup-2026-20250209162409989.htm