Maarten Paes Calls The Loyalty Of The Indonesian National Team Supporters Worth Awarding World Cup Tickets

JAKARTA - Maarten Paes recently revealed to supporters Major League Soccer (MLS) how the atmosphere when competing at the headquarters of the Indonesian National Team.

The Garuda Squad goalkeeper assessed that the atmosphere produced from the Red-White Team supporters was incomparable.

"I want to invite you to the stadium to feel (the atmosphere). There is no rival."

"Gairah from his supporters is extraordinary. All the home games sold out 85 thousand spectators. It's amazing," said Paes at the MLS Media Days on Saturday, January 11, 2025.

The 26-year-old goalkeeper further stated that the loyalty of Garuda Squad supporters deserves a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

"This solidarity and support deserves a place in the World Cup (2026). You can see at the World Cup, how loyal and passionate they are, extraordinary," he said again.

Therefore, Maarten Paes does not want to waste the remaining four matches in the Third Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

The Indonesian national team still has two home parties to host Bahrain (March 25, 2025) and China (June 5, 2025) and two away matches against Australia (March 20, 2025) and Japan (June 10, 2025).

"We have a big gap this time. We are only a few more points. In fact, if we are ranked third-fourth (qualification standings) there is still a chance to go to the next round."

"This is a big challenge, but in March 2025 it is important," said Maarten Paes.

Currently, the Indonesian national team is in third place in Group C standings with six points from six matches that have been played.

They are only one point apart from Australia who occupy the second ladder, the final path to qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup finals.