Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) has begun mapping the national team's strengths and weaknesses to build adequate squad depth on the road to the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
"We must build three teams, each consisting of 11 players, or at least two groups comprising 11 players with relatively comparable qualities," PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir said at a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday.
He said initial assessments showed that Indonesia already had two reliable goalkeeping options and several choices at left-back, while the team might need only one additional option at center-back. However, injuries have left the squad short of options at right-back.
"In midfield, I believe we have three consistent performers, but we still need two more. Not to mention the need for attackers and wingers," he added.
Thohir, who also serves as youth and sports minister, highlighted Japan's approach to building squad depth, noting that around 100 Japanese players compete in European leagues, including 12 in the English Premier League.
He said Japan's large pool of players competing internationally had reduced the risk of shortages when injuries occur.
The PSSI chairman also underscored the importance of building a squad that balances overseas-based and domestic-based players.
He added that the assessment would continue, with the findings to be evaluated by head coach John Herdman and PSSI's National Team Agency.
Currently ranked 21st among Asian teams in the FIFA rankings, Indonesia could have an opportunity to qualify directly for the second round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2030 World Cup, bypassing the opening stage.
Indonesia is projected to be placed in Pot 3 alongside Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, North Korea, Malaysia, Kuwait, the Philippines, and India. If the previous qualification format is retained, teams in the same pot cannot be drawn into the same group.
The draws for the first and second rounds are scheduled for December 15 this year, with the second round set to take place from September 2027 to March 2028.
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Translator: A. Lewokeda, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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