## Maarten Paes Secures Spot with FC Dallas, Boosting Indonesian National Team Morale
Indonesian national team coach Shin Tae-yong received a welcome boost ahead of their crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifier against Australia. Garuda diaspora player Maarten Paes has confirmed his place with Major League Soccer (MLS) club FC Dallas for the upcoming season.
This news comes as a notable morale booster for the Indonesian squad, who are set to face Australia on March 20, 2025, at the Sydney football Stadium.
Paes’s future with FC Dallas was secured after he was excluded from the expansion draft list this season. the club’s official website announced that Paes, along with 12 other key players, was placed on the protected list, guaranteeing their retention for the upcoming campaign.
this stability for Paes is expected to translate into increased confidence and focus as he prepares to represent Indonesia on the international stage. The 2026 World Cup Qualifiers represent a crucial chance for the Garuda squad to showcase their talent and make a strong push for a place in the prestigious tournament.
Paes’s MLS Security: A Boon for Indonesia’s World cup Dream?
Welcome back, fans, to another insightful session of “The Global Game”! Today, we’re diving deep into the world of international football, dwellng on a growth that’s sparked considerable buzz in Southeast Asia: the confirmed future of goalkeeper Maarten Paes with FC Dallas. Joining me today is former Indonesian national team captain and current football analyst, Bambang Pamungkas.
bambang, welcome to the show!
Bambang: Thank you for having me. It’s always a pleasure to discuss the gorgeous game.
Now, Maarten Paes securing his spot with FC Dallas is undoubtedly good news for Indonesian football. As we know, Indonesia is gearing up for a crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifier against Australia on March 20th in Sydney.
Bambang: Absolutely. Maarten’s presence in the starting lineup for Dallas provides him with that much-needed consistency and competitive edge. The fact that he’s secured his future with the club takes away any distractions and allows him to focus solely on his performance.
And that focus is precisely what Indonesia needs. This squad is brimming with potential, and Paes has the ability to be a key player in their World Cup aspirations. A strong performance against Australia could be a real statement of intent. What are your thoughts on this upcoming match, Bambang?
Bambang: It’ll be a tough encounter, ther’s no doubt whatsoever. australia is a formidable opponent, but Indonesia has shown great resilience and tactical discipline under Coach Shin Tae-yong. Paes’ stability in goal could be vital in keeping the Australian attack at bay.
It’s fascinating how a player’s domestic form can directly influence the performance of their national team. Readers, what are your thoughts? Do you believe Paes’s security with FC Dallas will translate into positive results for Indonesia? Share your opinions in the comments below!
This is just the beginning of what promises to be a thrilling journey for Indonesia. We’ll be closely following their progress and offering our analysis every step of the way.
Bambang, thanks for your insightful commentary, as always. It’s a pleasure having you on the show!
Bambang: My pleasure. Always a good time discussing Indonesian football.
