PSSI Prepares Two Strikers to Strengthen National Team, Eyes 2026 World Cup Qualification!

The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) is taking serious steps to strengthen the national team’s attack ahead of Round 4 of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. Two players of Indonesian descent who play as forwards are currently being prepared to join the senior squad.

This move is part of PSSI’s ongoing naturalization program, aimed at boosting the Garuda squad’s competitiveness on the international stage. After successfully advancing to the fourth round, PSSI is actively scouting players with dual nationality to add depth and firepower up front.

PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir confirmed on Friday (18 July 2025) that two promising names have agreed to join the national setup. While their identities remain undisclosed, Thohir emphasized that both are natural strikers.

“We’re pushing for some additions. I can’t reveal the names yet. But there are two players we’re seriously considering,” said Erick Thohir.

“It looks like last night, both of them committed to join. Yes, they’re forwards. Since we already have plenty of center-backs and full-backs, we need strikers now,” he added.

The two strikers being prepared by PSSI are not including Mauro Zijlstra, whose naturalization process is already in its final stages. The 20-year-old forward currently plays for Dutch club FC Volendam and is being lined up for the Indonesian U-23 squad.

“The process for Mauro is ongoing, through the government and DPR. We’ll just have to wait,” said Thohir.

“He’s still young, but so is Lamine Yamal, and look at what he can do. Let Mauro play first with the U-23s and see how far he goes.”

With the fourth qualifying round approaching, PSSI’s aggressive recruitment strategy shows its intent to build a more balanced and competitive team, especially in the attacking third—an area that has long needed reinforcement.