Highlighting Naturalization, JFA Admits The Strength Of The Indonesian National Team Is Increasing

Rows of naturalized players from the Indonesian national team are worried about the Japanese national team (VOI/Ferry Tri Adi Sasono).

JAKARTA - Naturalization that has recently been intensively carried out by the Indonesian national team has stolen the attention of the Japanese Football Federation (JFA). According to JFA, this situation made the Garuda Squad much stronger.

The Japanese national team also deserves to worry ahead of the match against the Indonesian national team on the fifth matchday of the 2026 World Cup Qualification Third Round in the Asian zone. The duel will be held at the Gelora Bung Karno (SUGBK) Main Stadium, Jakarta, on Friday, November 15, 2024.

Naturalized players are one of the things highlighted by JFA. The presence of descendants in the Garuda Squad is said to have attracted significant strength.

"Indonesia is ranked 130th in the FIFA rankings, the lowest of the six teams competing in Group C of the 2026 World Cup Qualification Third Round."

"However, so far they have performed well, occupying the fifth position with three draws and one loss in four matches," reads JFA's statement in his writing on the official website quoted Monday, November 11, 2024.

"The reason behind Indonesia's rapid growth is that many players were born and raised in the Netherlands and had Indonesian roots."

"They have obtained Indonesian citizenship and started playing for the national team," the statement continued.

Throughout the era of coach Shin Tae-yong, 16 players have been naturalized. This is considered an important role in the increase in the ranking of the Indonesian national team, from ranking 175 to 130.

Reflecting on the situation, the Blue Samurai camp did not want to underestimate the Indonesian national team. They realize that the performance of the Indonesian national team will not be the same as when they were defeated 3-1 in the 2023 Asian Cup, January 2024.

"It is still fresh in our memory, when we met at the 2023 Asian Cup in January 2024, Indonesia lost 1-3".

"Nevertheless, Indonesia managed to escape the group stage for the first time in their history."

"They then advanced to the round of 16 of the tournament, for the first time in 17 years."

"With several (naturalization) players making their debut for the Indonesian national team after the match against Japan, it can be said that the strength of the Indonesian team has increased since then," wrote JFA.