Three New Naturalized Players May Be Able To Play Against Australia

JAKARTA The three newest naturalized players for the Indonesian national team are expected to be able to play when they meet Australia in the Third Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification for the Asian Zone next month.

The three names in question are Audero Mulyadi, Joey Pelupessy, and Dean James. Their naturalization process is also trying to be accelerated to be completed according to the target.

The Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora), Dito Ariotedjo, said that it was important for the naturalization process of the three names to be in his ministry.

"Yesterday the letter came in from PSSI. We have processed it and there is a process with the relevant Ministries/Institutions and a meeting has been held. God willing, it will be processed immediately," said Dito in Jakarta on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

Indonesia is scheduled to travel to Australia headquarters on March 20, 2025. The Garuda squad also needed additional ammunition to secure points from the opponent's cage.

Dito is optimistic that his party can catch up with the remaining time so that the three names immediately take the oath to become Indonesian citizens (WNI) so that later they can be included in the Indonesian squad for this important match.

"In our timeline with Mr. Erik Thohir (Chairman of PSSI) has made a draft. If we want to see the process, it should be rushed. Now I also want to go to the DPR," he said.

Against Australia is one of the remaining four matches in Group C of the Third Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification in the Asian Zone to be faced by Indonesia.

In a row, three other matches after that were against hosting Bahrain and China at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium and away matches against Japan.

Currently, Indonesia sits in third place in the standings with a collection of six points. To be able to get a ticket to the 2026 World Cup, Indonesia must finish at least in the runner-up position.