Opportunity for Indonesian National Team to Reach Round 3 of Open World Cup Qualification, PSSI Plans to Increase Squad Strength

Furthermore, Erick Thohir believes that the Indonesian national team needs to learn from the last match against Vietnam. At that time, Shin Tae-yong's troops were injured following many players suffering from illness and injuries.

The PSSI chairman is also reluctant to take a similar risk if the Garuda squad manages to advance to the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifications. The former President of Inter Milan believes that the Indonesian National Team needs at least 2 x 11 players of equal quality to prepare themselves to face rivals in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

“Why (need additional players)? Yesterday it happened against Vietnam (many players were absent). Can you imagine, if yesterday there was no Thom, no Ragnar? Ivar, Rafael, Arhan (all of them can't play). “In football (things like this) might happen,” said PSSI Ketum.

“I always say, there must be 2×11, if possible 3×11 (players in the Indonesian National Team). For example, now our U-23. When Elkan can't play, maybe out of season“Justin was not released, Nathan was not released, while on his right Asnawi was past his age.”

“(With a situation like this) there are still other players who can (replace them), but the dynamics are still thin. “If we go to round 3, this team is not enough, come on and shake hands with me,” added Erick Thohir.