Indonesia U-17 National Team to World Cup 2025: Local and Diaspora Combination to Challenge Brazil

Coach Nova Arianto officially announced the squad for the 2025 U-17 World Cup in Qatar, marking a new chapter in the journey of Indonesian youth football. The 21 selected players are a blend of the best local talents and diaspora players studying abroad.

“This squad is a combination of the best young players from the homeland and several diaspora players pursuing careers overseas,” stated Nova Arianto in an official release.

This combination proves Indonesia's seriousness about being competitive at the world level. The Young Garuda are placed in Group H alongside Brazil, Honduras, and Zambia.

All group stage matches will take place at the Aspire Zone in Al Rayyan, Qatar, known as the world's most modern sports complex.

Heavy Challenge in the Group of Death

Indonesia will begin their campaign against Zambia on November 4, 2025, at 18:45 local time, followed by a match against Brazil on November 7, and conclude the group stage against Honduras on November 10, 2025.

Although the draw was tough, the spirit of the Young Garuda remains undiminished.

“Certainly, Indonesia arrives in Qatar with high motivation after preparing through several intensive training camps both domestically and abroad,” emphasized Nova.

Here are the 21 Indonesian U-17 players who will compete in the 2025 Qatar U-17 World Cup:

Goalkeepers:
Rendy Razzaqu (Madura United FC), Dafa Al Gasemi (Dewa United FC), Mike Rajasa Hoppenbrouwers (FC Utrecht).

Defenders:
Dafa Zaidan (Borneo FC), Ida Bagus Putu Cahya (Bali United), I Putu Panji Apriawan (Bali United), Mathew Baker (Melbourne FC), Eizar Tanjung (Sydney FC), Lucas Lee (Ballistic United SC), 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).

Optimism Towards Qatar

This young squad not only carries the nation's name but also the new spirit of national football. With the inclusion of diaspora players like Mike Rajasa Hoppenbrouwers and Mathew Baker, the Young Garuda are expected to show greater tactical and physical maturity.

The support of the Indonesian public will be additional fuel. From dusty fields in small towns to the magnificent stadiums in Qatar, the same hope echoes: to see the Young Garuda soar higher.

This tournament is not merely a proving ground, but a moment to look towards the future. With thorough preparation and a promising composition, Nova Arianto and his wards are ready to write a new chapter in Indonesian football history.

One thing is certain, the Young Garuda have not come merely to participate, but to compete.