Five Promising Diaspora Players Poised for Indonesian National Team Naturalization Ahead of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Indonesia’s national football team has advanced to the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers, facing tough opponents such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE. With several months before the next matches in October 2025, the team is exploring ways to strengthen its squad. One key strategy is to naturalize talented players of Indonesian descent who have experience in competitive leagues abroad, a move that has already positively impacted the team through players like Calvin Verdonk, Jay Idzes, and Ole Romeny.

Among the top candidates for naturalization is Million Manhoef, a fast and skillful winger currently playing in England’s Championship. Manhoef’s agility and one-on-one abilities make him a valuable offensive asset, and his experience in high-intensity competitions could add a new dimension to Indonesia’s attack. Another young talent is Mauro Zijlstra, a promising 19-year-old striker with Indonesian heritage who plays in SC Heerenveen’s U-21 squad. Zijlstra is seen as a long-term investment, potentially becoming a key forward alongside existing strikers.

The list also includes Miliano Jonathans, a 21-year-old winger from FC Utrecht known for his speed and dribbling, who could bring more versatility to Indonesia’s flanks. Defensively, Pascal Struijk from Leeds United stands out as a strong center-back with Premier League experience, offering height, composure, and the ability to initiate attacks from the back. Thomas Poll, a left-back from SC Cambuur, rounds out the group with his defensive solidity and precise crossing ability, qualities that Indonesia has lacked in recent years.

By pursuing the naturalization of these players, the Indonesian national team aims to deepen its talent pool and improve competitiveness on Asia’s biggest stage. Their blend of youth, experience, and diverse skills could prove vital as Indonesia prepares for a challenging qualifying campaign against some of the continent’s strongest teams.

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