Summary:
- Eliano Reijnders confronts formidable competition to secure a place in the Indonesian National Team’s final squad, drawn from an initial call-up of 41 players.
- He aims for triumphant results in the upcoming FIFA Series while simultaneously vying to cement his position within the team.
- Frans Putros, conversely, has willingly set aside personal holiday plans to represent Iraq in their crucial play-off pursuit for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Teknowarta BANDUNG – The opportunity to represent the Indonesian National Team stands as a pivotal moment for Eliano Reijnders.
The talented Persib player has earned a spot on the provisional call-up list, thereby unlocking a significant chance to feature for the revered Garuda squad in the forthcoming FIFA Series.
Known for his versatility across multiple positions, Reijnders anticipates fierce internal competition within the national team camp. He views the extensive roster of summoned players as a clear indicator that securing a spot in the main squad will be anything but straightforward.
From the initial provisional list comprising 41 players, Eliano is keenly aware that the path to the starting eleven is fraught with challenges. He understands that only a select few from this extensive roster will ultimately endure until the final selection.
Sporting the number 2 jersey for the ‘Blue Prince,’ Eliano emphatically stresses the imperative of maximum effort to navigate the demanding selection process. He asserts that sheer hard work is the sole method to outshine other contenders vying for similar positions.
“From that pool, perhaps only 23 players will be chosen, and then a starting eleven. So, I must strive to overcome the other 30 players,” Eliano was quoted saying on the club’s website on March 21, 2026.
Looking ahead to the two crucial matches the Indonesian National Team will play in the upcoming FIFA Series, the Maluku-descended player harbors significant ambition. He is determined for the team to achieve perfect results in both encounters.
This optimism, he believes, is not merely a personal sentiment but is shared by every member of the squad. He perceives a unified spirit among all players, collectively striving for victory.
“Of course, we want to win both those matches, and I think everyone else feels the same way,” he affirmed.
Beyond the technical aspects of the game, Eliano also touched upon the presence of National Team coach, John Herdman. He admitted to having gained some initial insight into the coach’s character.
A brief, direct conversation when Herdman attended a match at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium provided him with valuable early impressions.
“Yes, I know a little about him. We also had a chat when he was watching a game here (GBLA),” he concluded.
Meanwhile, compelling news emerges from another defensive stalwart and teammate, Frans Putros.
Putros has received an official call-up to bolster the Iraq National Team, which is meticulously preparing for the intercontinental play-off phase en route to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Iraq National Team is slated to conduct its central training camp in Monterrey, Mexico. This crucial agenda is scheduled from March 23 to April 2, 2026, forming a vital part of their preparations for the pivotal upcoming matches.
The decision to answer his nation’s call means Putros must sacrifice valuable competition downtime, which would otherwise have been dedicated to much-needed rest. He revealed that he had initially harbored personal plans for a holiday, with several destinations both within Indonesia and abroad having been considered.
“If I go to the national team, I won’t have a holiday. However, if I didn’t go, I would have had a bit of vacation time, perhaps visiting a new country or staying here in Indonesia. There were no special plans,” he stated.
Nevertheless, driven by the monumental goal of guiding Iraq to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, Putros unequivocally prioritizes national duty. He acknowledges the immense public expectation in Iraq for their return to the global football stage, recognizing it as a powerful additional motivator for every player.
Consequently, he confirms that all team members have fully concentrated their attention on the upcoming matches in Mexico. Their primary objective is to secure victories, thereby guaranteeing their ticket to the final tournament.
“We have these matches in Mexico. Since we knew about this, we have been preparing ourselves, and we want to win those matches to go to the World Cup,” he asserted.
According to the FIFA draw results, Iraq has been directly placed into Final Path 2. They are set to confront the winner of the match between Bolivia and Suriname, which is scheduled to take place on March 31, 2026.