PSSI Confirms No New Naturalized Players for Indonesia's World Cup Qualifiers

PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir addressed the possibility of adding new naturalized players to the Indonesia national football team ahead of their final 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June 2025. Thohir confirmed that no new naturalized players will be added, and the team will focus on utilizing the naturalized players already in the squad.

Indonesia will face China on June 5, 2025, at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, followed by a match against Japan on June 10, 2025, in Suita. Despite speculation about potential additions, Thohir emphasized that the focus will remain on the existing roster, with the national team preparing for these crucial matches.

The Indonesian national team has recently naturalized three players: Emil Audero, Dean James, and Joey Pelupessy, all of whom were called up for the March 2025 qualifiers. While there have been rumors about PSSI approaching young midfielder Laurin Ulrich from VfB Stuttgart, no official decision has been made regarding new naturalizations for the upcoming qualifiers.