Indonesia naturalizes two more players, aiming for World Cup spot, top 50 FIFA, and top 10 in Asia

Minister of Youth and Sports Indonesia, also Sports Indonesia, by the way PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir, disclosed the ambitious goals of Team Indonesia in his meeting with the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) working session. The core agenda of that meeting was the naturalization proceedings for two players of foreign origin.

The two names discussed during the meeting were Luke Vickery and Mitchell Baker. Both are being directed to become part of the long-term plan for the Indonesian national team

the DPR RI approved the naturalization recommendation for these two players of Indonesian descent abroad. Erick Thohir affirmed that the need for Vickery and Baker was not solely for short-term.

According to him, the presence of these two players is part of the roadmap constructed by PSSI to maintain continuity in the Indonesian national team's performance. Both are prepared to strengthen the Garuda squad in international tournaments in the years ahead.

The goals set by PSSI include a series of major tournaments, starting with the 2026 ASEAN Hyundai Cup, the FIFA Series for the 2026-2031 period, the 2027 Asian Cup, and the qualifiers for the 2030 World Cup.

"The two said footballers are Australian citizens wishing to become Indonesian citizens because they are needed to strengthen the national team," said Erick Thohir.

"For short-term targets within the next five years they are needed for the 2026 ASEAN Hyundai Cup, the 2026-2031 FIFA Series, the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, the 2028 ASEAN Hyundai Cup the 2030 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the 2030 ASEAN Hyundai Cup, the 2030 FIFA World Cup, and the 2031 AFC Asian Cup," he added.

In the long term, the Indonesian national team is set to break into the FIFA rankings Additionally, the team is expected to be among the top ten strongest in Asia.

"In the meantime for long-term objectives over five years, these two athletes are needed to achieve the top 50 FIFA target, top 10 in Asia, as well as qualifying for every FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup finals," said Mr. Erick Thohir.

"Furthermore, to enhance the squad depth of the national team, they are needed to transfer knowledge or augment the skills of local players, serving the interests of both the national team and professional leagues," added.