Indonesia National Team goalkeeper, Maarten Paes, has expressed immense enthusiasm as he gears up for two pivotal matches in the Fourth Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. The ‘Garuda’ squad is set to face football giants Saudi Arabia on October 9 and Iraq on October 12, both hosted at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.
Paes’ return to action is particularly significant given his recent battle with a challenging hamstring injury that kept him sidelined for over two months. According to Transfermarkt, the 27-year-old goalkeeper’s last professional appearance was on July 26, 2025, when his club, Dallas, played against New York City. This extended absence marked a difficult period for the talented shot-stopper.
A crucial step in his recovery journey occurred on Sunday, October 5, when Paes was included in the Dallas squad and took a spot on the bench for their match against LA Galaxy. This marked his first inclusion in the main squad since sustaining his injury, signaling his readiness to return to competitive play. Following the match, the Dallas goalkeeper affirmed his readiness to step back onto the field after a nine-week recovery period.
Paes openly shared his anticipation for the upcoming international fixtures, having marked these World Cup Qualifiers as a prime opportunity for his return to the ‘Garuda’ squad. “Feeling great. Yeah, I think these games (against Saudi Arabia and Iraq) I had circled red on my agenda. I knew it was nine weeks since my injury, so I thought, this could be a good time to come back,” Paes stated on Monday, October 6, as reported by the official Dallas FC website.
Reflecting on his recovery, Paes credited his colleagues for their support. “My teammates did an amazing job with me over the last couple of weeks. And now I feel very good. There’s a little bit of a scar, sometimes it feels stiff, but otherwise it’s very good,” he added, highlighting the rigorous rehabilitation process. Looking ahead to the international assignment, he emphasized the need for immediate adaptation. “Now it’s time to adjust on the trip (to Saudi Arabia). Adjust to the time difference there again. And then it’s two quick games (against Saudi Arabia and Iraq), the eighth (October) and eleventh (October),” he concluded, eager to rejoin the national setup.
With his return, Maarten Paes stands a strong chance of reclaiming his position as the main goalkeeper for the Indonesia National Team. His last outing with the ‘Garuda’ squad was in March 2025, during Indonesia’s memorable 1-0 victory over Bahrain at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium. His presence will undoubtedly be a significant boost for Indonesia as they navigate these vital qualification matches.
Summary
Indonesia National Team goalkeeper, Maarten Paes, is set to return for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Saudi Arabia on October 9 and Iraq on October 12 in Jeddah. This marks a significant comeback for Paes, who was sidelined for over two months due to a hamstring injury. His last professional appearance was on July 26, 2025. Paes recently confirmed his readiness after a nine-week recovery, having been included on the Dallas squad’s bench.
Paes expressed immense enthusiasm, stating he had “circled red” these World Cup Qualifiers as his target for a return. He affirmed feeling “very good” after his recovery, crediting his teammates for their support during rehabilitation. His return is anticipated to provide a significant boost for the ‘Garuda’ squad. Paes’ last appearance for the Indonesia National Team was in March 2025.