Indonesia national football team has unveiled a 26-player squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian Qualifiers Round 3, set to take place from 20 to 25 March 2025.
Indonesia’s national football team, under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Patrick Kluivert, is gearing up for the continuation. The team is set to face Australia on March 20 in Sydney and will host Bahrain on March 25 at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta.
PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir has expressed optimism regarding Kluivert’s provisional squad selection, highlighting the inclusion of top talent across all positions and the strategic addition of three newly naturalized players. Thohir stated, “I think the composition is even and consists of the best players in all sectors, including the plan to add three new naturalized players.”
The three players who have recently been granted Indonesian citizenship to bolster the national team’s lineup are:
- Emil Audero Mulyadi
- Dean James
- Joey Pelupessy
These additions are part of Indonesia’s broader strategy to enhance its squad by integrating players of Indonesian descent from abroad.
The provisional squad for the upcoming qualifiers is as follows:
Goalkeepers:
- Maarten Paes (FC Dallas, USA)
- Nadeo Argawinata (Borneo FC)
- Ernando Ari (Persebaya)
Defenders:
- Sandy Walsh (Yokohama F. Marinos)
- Justin Hubner (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
- Jay Idzes (Venezia FC)
- Nathan Tjoe-A-On (Swansea City)
- Pratama Arhan (True Bangkok United)
- Rizky Ridho (Persija)
- Muhammad Ferarri (Persija)
- Calvin Verdonk (NEC Nijmegen)
- Shayne Pattynama (KAS Eupen)
- Jordi Amat (Johor Darul Ta’Zim)
- Kevin Diks (Copenhagen FC)
Midfielders:
- Thom Haye (Almere City)
- Ivar Jenner (FC Utrecht)
- Ricky Kambuaya (Dewa United)
- Marselino Ferdinan (Oxford United)
- Eliano Reijnders (PEC Zwolle)
- Egy Maulana (Dewa United)
Forwards:
- Ragnar Oratmangoen (FC Dender)
- Rafael Struick (Brisbane Roar)
- Septian Bagaskara (Dewa United)
- Ramadhan Sananta (Persis Solo)
- Hokky Caraka (PSS Sleman)
- Ole Romenij (Oxford United)
This diverse lineup reflects Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening its national team by incorporating talent with Indonesian heritage from various international leagues.
Indonesia’s journey in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers has been notable, with the team currently holding a competitive position in Group C. The upcoming matches against Australia and Bahrain are crucial for Indonesia’s aspirations to secure a spot in the World Cup.
The integration of Dutch-born players has been a significant aspect of Indonesia’s strategy, aiming to leverage historical ties and enhance the team’s performance on the international stage.
Credit Photo : AFC
