Indonesia Announces U-17 World Cup Squad for 2025 Tournament
The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has officially announced the 21-player squad that will represent the nation at the U-17 World Cup 2025 in Qatar. The roster was revealed on the federation’s official website on Friday, October 31st, signaling the start of preparations for the global tournament.
Head Coach Nova Arianto has selected a balanced team, comprising three goalkeepers, ten defenders, five midfielders, and three forwards. The squad represents a strategic blend of talent from domestic leagues and promising diaspora players currently developing their skills abroad.
“This squad has been prepared with a balance between local and diaspora players to ensure the team has depth and international experience,” stated Nova Arianto in an official statement, highlighting the importance of a well-rounded team.
Diaspora Players Bolster the U-17 National Team
The Indonesian U-17 team will be further strengthened by the inclusion of three diaspora players: Mike Rajasa Hoppenbrouwers (FC Utrecht/Netherlands), Matthew Baker (Melbourne FC/Australia), and Lucas Lee (Ballistic United SC/USA). Their international experience is expected to be a valuable asset to the squad.
At the U-17 World Cup 2025, Indonesia finds itself in Group H, alongside formidable opponents Brazil, Honduras, and Zambia. The challenge will be significant, but the team is determined to make its mark.
This year marks a historic milestone for Indonesian football, as it is the first time the nation has qualified for the U-17 World Cup finals through the qualifying rounds. In the 2023 edition, Indonesia participated as the host nation.
Match Schedule and Indonesia’s Chances
The Garuda Muda (Young Eagles), as the team is known, will begin their World Cup journey against Zambia on November 4th, followed by a match against Brazil on November 7th, and conclude the group stage against Honduras on November 10th. All matches will be held at the prestigious Aspire Zone in Doha, Qatar.
To secure an automatic qualification for the Round of 32, Indonesia must finish in the top two of their group. However, a spot in the next round is also possible as one of the best third-placed teams from the twelve groups.
Complete List of Indonesian U-17 National Team Players for the 2025 U-17 World Cup
Goalkeepers:
Rendy Razzaqu (Madura United FC)
Dafa Al Gasemi (Dewa United FC)
Mike Rajasa Hoppenbrouwers (FC Utrecht/Netherlands)
Defenders:
Dafa Zaidan (Borneo FC)
Ida Bagus Putu Cahya (Bali United)
I Putu Panji Apriawan (Bali United)
Matthew Baker (Melbourne FC/Australia)
Eizar Tanjung (Sydney FC)
Lucas Lee (Ballistic United SC/USA)
Fabio Azkairawan (Persija Jakarta)
Ilham Romadhona (Borneo FC)
Muhammad Al Gazani (Persija Jakarta)
Azizu Milanesta (Asiana Soccer School)
Midfielders:
Evandra Florasta (Bhayangkara Presisi FC)
Muhammad Zahaby Gholy (Persija Jakarta)
Nazriel Alfaro (Persib Bandung)
Rafi Rasyiq (Semen Padang FC)
Forwards:
Mierza Firjatullah (Persik Kediri)
Fadly Alberto Hengga (Bhayangkara Presisi FC)
Dimas Adi Prasetyo (PSM Makassar)
Fandi Ahmad Muzaki (Persija Jakarta)
Hopes and Expectations for Garuda Muda
PSSI has expressed its hope that Nova Arianto’s team will perform at their best and proudly represent Indonesia on the world stage.
“We believe in the ability of these young players. They will give their best for the Merah Putih (Red and White),” stated the official PSSI release, referring to the colors of the Indonesian flag.
The U-17 World Cup 2025 presents a significant opportunity for the development of youth football in Indonesia and will serve as a testament to the long-term development efforts undertaken by the federation.
Summary
The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has announced its 21-player squad for the U-17 World Cup 2025, which will be held in Qatar. Head Coach Nova Arianto’s selection includes a balanced mix of domestic players and three diaspora talents: Mike Rajasa Hoppenbrouwers (Netherlands), Matthew Baker (Australia), and Lucas Lee (USA). This strategic composition aims to provide the team with both depth and valuable international experience.
Indonesia, making its historic first qualification for the U-17 World Cup finals through the qualifying rounds, is placed in Group H alongside Brazil, Honduras, and Zambia. The team will play its group stage matches on November 4th, 7th, and 10th against Zambia, Brazil, and Honduras, respectively, at the Aspire Zone in Doha. To advance, Indonesia must secure a top-two finish in their group or qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.