Not Entering The Indonesian National Team In The 2026 World Cup Qualification, Witan Sulaeman Turns Out To Be On Hajj

Witan Sulaeman is absent from defending the Indonesian national team (Instagram/@witansulaiman_).

Witan Sulaeman was not included in the list of 22 players called by Shin Tae-yong to the Indonesian national team. The absence of the Bhayangkara FC player turned out to be because he would carry out the pilgrimage.

Information about Witan's absence from the Indonesian national team was conveyed directly by the Chairman of the National Team Agency (BTN), Sumardji. Contacted on Thursday, May 16, 2024, Sumardji explained that Witan was absent because he would carry out worship with his family.

"Witan (Sulaeman) is not on the list because it plans to go on a pilgrimage this year. The schedule is clashing," said Sumardji.

"He (Witan) will depart on May 24, 2024) with his family. It could take a long time, maybe a month," said the man who also serves as COO Bhayangkara FC.

The list of 22 players to the Indonesian national team is a preparation made by Shin Tae-yong to face Iraq and the Philippines.

The two matches are the second round of Group F of the 2026 World Cup Qualification.

The match against Iraq will be held on June 6, 2024 at 16.00 WIB, while the second match against the Philippines will be held on June 11, 2024. All of these matches will be held at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta.

Not only Witan Sulaeman. The players who are subscribed to the Indonesian national team who are also not called are Marc Klok and Elkan Baggott.

Apart from that, the struggle of the Indonesian national team in the second round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification was quite good.

Joined in Group F with the Philippines, Iraq and Vietnam, Shin Tae-yong's team is now in second place in Group F.

With a collection of seven points from four matches, Rizky Ridho and his friends only need one win or three more points to ensure one place in the third round of the Asian Zone 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.