The Indonesian National Team Still Has An Option To Call 2 Players In The 2026 World Cup Qualification

The Indonesian national team will undergo the remaining two matches of the second round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification (doc. PSSI).

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team has announced the names of 22 players who were called up to strengthen the team in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. However, there is an option that the Garuda Squad can still call two additional names.

This news was conveyed by the Chairman of the National Team Agency (BTN), Sumardji. In his statement, he said that there were two names that could follow the Indonesian national team to appear in the 2026 World Cup Qualification.

"Of the 22 names, it is likely that they will change following developments. A few days before kick-off later, there will be an addition of two players," Sumardji said in his statement quoted on Friday, May 17, 2024.

Although he stated that the Indonesian national team could still add two more players, Sumardji was reluctant to reveal the figure who would join the Garuda Squad.

He only asked football lovers to be patient and consider this a surprise.

"Let it be a puzzle first, let it be interesting. So, just wait," he said.

Regarding the 22 players who have been called, the name Marteen Paes is in the spotlight. The reason is, the naturalized goalkeeper was not included in Shin Tae-yong's list of choices.

In fact, the Dallas FC goalkeeper has held the status of an Indonesian citizen (WNI) since April 30. However, he is expected to fail to appear because there is still a process that has not been completed.

Apart from Marteen Paes, 22 players who have been called up by Shin Tae-yong are scheduled to gather for a training camp (TC) on May 28, 2024. Regarding the agenda, Sumardji revealed the deadline given.

"Later on 27 (May 2024) tonight get together. Then, 28 (May 2024) morning they (Indonesian national team players) have started TC," said Sumardji.

The Indonesian national team continues to prepare for the second round of Group F of the 2026 World Cup Qualification.

On the agenda held at the Gelora Bung Karno (SUGBK) Main Stadium, Jakarta, the Garuda Squad will host Iraq on June 6, 2024 and continue against the Philippines on June 11, 2024.

The Indonesian national team is currently in second place in the Group F standings of the 2026 World Cup Qualification in the Asian Zone with seven points.

Shin Tae-yong's team are ahead of Vietnam who are in third place with three points and the Philippines who are caretakers with one point.

The Red-White Team has a great chance of qualifying for the third round of the 2026 Duni Cup Qualifiers accompanying the leader of Group F, Iraq.