With the final international window of 2025 now in the books, the picture for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming sharply into focus. Forty-two of the 48 slots have been claimed, and scattered across those qualified nations are players who earn their living in Southeast Asian leagues. The question hovering over the region now is simple: how many of these familiar faces will step onto the sport’s grandest stage next year?
At present, only two countries—Jordan and Curaçao, both World Cup debutants—are certain to take Southeast Asia–based players with them to Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Jordan’s most recent squad featured Selangor FC stalwarts Noor Al-Rawabdeh and Mohammad Abualnadi, whose consistency and influence under head coach Jamal Sellami have made them near-automatic selections. Curaçao, meanwhile, continue to place their trust in Persis Solo winger Gervane Kastaneer. His club form has fluctuated, but Dick Advocaat remains convinced of his utility at international level.
But those three are far from the only ones with a genuine shot at joining the party.
PSM Makassar’s defensive anchor Yuran Fernandes has, for two seasons running, been one of Liga 1 Indonesia’s standout centre-backs. His resurgence earned him a recall to Cape Verde—another team set to make their World Cup debut—and his strong domestic form could be enough to secure a ticket to North America. He may not be alone: Selangor attacker Alvin Fortes, a regular presence for both club and country, is also in contention for a place in Cape Verde’s final squad.
The Thai League may also have representation. Buriram United’s new signing Kingsley Schindler is part of a Ghanaian side that has already secured qualification. If he can impress in his early months in Thailand, he could yet carry the league’s flag into the World Cup.
Even players from nations still battling through the playoff gauntlet remain firmly in the conversation. Persib Bandung’s Frans Putros continues to be a trusted figure for Iraq, who are navigating their way through the intercontinental playoff route. Should Iraq seal their spot, Putros will be among the favorites to make the final cut.
Beyond these headline names, there remains an intriguing group on the fringes—players from leagues in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand who represent nations with smaller talent pools or competitive depth. For countries like Jordan, Curaçao, Iraq, and Cape Verde, all of whom have leaned on Southeast Asian–based players in recent windows, the region’s leagues are becoming increasingly reliable sources of international-quality talent. It is yet another sign of Southeast Asia’s growing pull, professionalism, and visibility on the global football map.
As the final berths are decided in early 2026, fans across the region won’t just be watching the qualifiers—they’ll be scanning the squad announcements. Because if all goes well, Southeast Asia may see more of its adopted stars on World Cup pitches than ever before.