PSSI Says New Naturalization Players Can Play In The 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

The chairman of PSSI, Erick Thohir, said that naturalized players can only defend the Indonesian national team on the closest agenda (doc. PSSI).

JAKARTA - PSSI General Chairperson (Ketum), Erick Thohir, answered about the chance for naturalized players to appear in the Fourth Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification. He said the process could be completed in September 2025.

Under Erick Thohir, PSSI's naturalization program is still a mainstay. This effort was intensified again ahead of the 2026 World Cup Qualification Fourth Round against Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

Regarding the naturalized players to be brought in, Erick did not deny it. However, he still could not provide information about the names of the players. The chairman of PSSI only gave a leak about the player's position.

"Wait, be patient if it (about the naturalization news). I have said, filling the front line is certain. If it's back and middle I think it's enough," said Erick Thohir at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium on Monday, July 21, 2025, evening WIB.

Furthermore, regarding the possibility of the naturalized player playing on FIFA Matchday in September 2025, Erick explained that he would begin reporting the latest naturalization next week.

"It depends on the process later in the Government and the DPR. I myself will report to the President. Maybe next week I will report an alternative name. You see, it must be supported by the Government and the DPR," he said.

The Indonesian national team will meet Kuwait and Lebanon on FIFA Matchday, a month before competing in the Fourth Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

In the continuation of the 2026 World Cup ticket qualifying, Indonesia will face Saudi Arabia and Iraq on 8-14 October 2025.