HOT: Indonesia calls up a series of naturalized players to face U19 Vietnam

U19 Indonesia demonstrates its resolve for the 2026 ASEAN U19 Championship by calling up a powerful lineup.

U19 Indonesia is displaying immense determination ahead of the 2026 ASEAN U19 Championship by summoning numerous foreign-born players aiming to compete for the title on home soil. According to the draw results, the host team is in Group A alongside U19 Vietnam, Myanmar, and Timor Leste. Among them, the clash between U19 Indonesia and U19 Vietnam is considered the highlight match of the group stage.

To strengthen the squad, coach Nova Arianto has called up many talents developed in overseas academies. Notable names in the list include Amar Brkic, who has Indonesian-German heritage, Mathew Baker and Timothy Baker currently playing in Australia, and Welber Jardim from Brazilian club São Paulo. Additionally, there are Zinadein Ardiansyah, Eizar Tanjung, and Igor Sanders, players progressing their careers in Australia and the Netherlands.

These are all players who have previously represented Indonesia's youth teams in major tournaments such as the 2023 U17 World Cup and the 2025 U17 World Cup. Their international experience gives them high ratings in professionalism, composure, and ability to handle pressure. Their presence is expected to help U19 Indonesia possess a more quality and balanced squad compared to regional rivals.

Not only with naturalized and foreign-born players, U19 Indonesia also boasts several names who were part of U16 Indonesia's emphatic 5-0 victory over U16 Vietnam in 2024. These players have since matured both physically and in match experience, forming a formidable core for the host team in this year's tournament.

Conversely, U19 Vietnam enters the tournament with many squad challenges. Due to domestic professional leagues entering decisive stages, many key players cannot join the team. Notably absent are central defender Đinh Quang Kiệt, striker Trần Gia Bảo, and forward Nguyễn Lê Phát, considered pillars of Vietnam's youth teams in recent years.

Despite lacking their strongest lineup, U19 Vietnam is still expected to deliver a positive performance against their long-time rivals. According to the schedule, the clash between U19 Vietnam and U19 Indonesia will take place at 8 PM on June 7. This match is seen as crucial in the race for a spot in the next round and in affirming the status of the two leading youth football nations in Southeast Asia.