SEAToday.com, Jakarta - PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir hopes Maarten Paes will contribute positively when defending the Indonesian national team. Maarten could make his debut with the Garuda Team in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for the Asian zone against Saudi Arabia.

"We believe that Maarten Paes will have a positive impact on the team and help Indonesia achieve better achievements," Erick Thohir was quoted as saying on the PSSI website.

He continued, "This decision shows PSSI's commitment in finding the best talent to build the future of Indonesian football."

PSSI also invites all football lovers in the country to support Maarten and the national team in their journey ahead.

The Indonesian national team will begin their struggle in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for the Asian zone. The third round of qualifying starts on 5 September 2024 and ends 10 June 2025.

Shin Tae-yong's men will face hosts Saudi Arabia in the first match at King Abdullah Sport City, Jeddah. Pratama Arhan and friends then host Australia five days later at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta.