Maarten Paes returns to Indonesian National Team post-injury, ready to pursue World Cup dream.

After two months sidelined by injury, Maarten Paes returns to the Indonesian national team with multiplied spirit. The Garuda squad's main goalkeeper is not only recovered but also carries a big mission to fly to the 2026 World Cup.

For Paes, the two fourth-round qualifying matches against Saudi Arabia on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 00.15 WIB, and Iraq on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 02.30 WIB at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium, Jeddah, are more than just games. This is a moment that could change everything.

“That would mean everything. It would be a truly meaningful moment,” said Paes, quoted from FC Dallas' official social media on Monday.

The meaning runs deeper because the 2026 World Cup will be held in three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

For Paes, who currently plays for FC Dallas, the chance to perform in such a major tournament in the country where he builds his career feels incredibly special.

“With the World Cup being held in the United States, nine games in Dallas. So, I'll be pushing hard to maybe come here a little more often during international breaks with the Indonesian national team,” he said.

Paes spoke with a light tone yet full of determination. He knows the road to the World Cup isn't easy. 

“But, let's take it one game at a time. First against Saudi Arabia, then Iraq, and then hopefully I can celebrate on the plane. So, see you all,” said the 27-year-old goalkeeper.

Paes' return to the field is also a comeback story worth being grateful for. 

After an injury that kept him out since August, Paes missed two FIFA Match Day games for the Indonesian national team against Taiwan and Lebanon in Surabaya last month. 

However, this week, his name was back in the FC Dallas squad when they faced LA Galaxy in the continuation of the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS).

In that match, Dallas secured a 2-1 victory. That win extended their unbeaten streak to eight consecutive matches. 

The team now sits in eighth place in the Western Conference provisional standings with 41 points.

For Paes, this positive result is not only good news for his club but also mental fuel ahead of matches with the national team.

“It's very inspiring. I think, a few weeks before that, we had chosen to be a team. Since then, I think we started becoming a team. Starting to fight for wins and results,” he concluded. (Antara)