Monterrey, Mexico – Suriname national team coach Henk ten Cate has named his squad for the FIFA World Cup Play-Off Tournament semifinal against Bolivia, a match that represents the nation’s last chance to qualify for the 2026 tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The team will be relying heavily on the experience and skill of midfielder Tjaronn Chery, while winger Virgil Misidjan has been left out of the selection.
The pivotal match is scheduled for March 26th in Monterrey, Mexico. The winner of the Suriname-Bolivia clash will advance to a final playoff against Iraq for a coveted spot in the expanded 48-team World Cup field. This represents a historic opportunity for Suriname, a nation seeking its first-ever sustained presence on the world’s biggest football stage.
Chery’s inclusion is hardly a surprise, as the experienced midfielder is a key figure for the Surinamese side. However, the omission of Misidjan, who currently plays for NEC Nijmegen in the Netherlands, is notable. According to reports, Ten Cate opted to exit the winger at home due to a recent dip in form. Misidjan has seen limited playing time for NEC, with his last league start occurring on October 18, 2025, in a 3-3 draw against FC Twente.
Foto: Orange Pictures
Bolivia enters the match as the favorite, currently ranked 76th in the world, significantly higher than Suriname’s 123rd position. Bolivia secured their playoff berth with a stunning 1-0 victory over Brazil in September, a result that defied expectations and propelled them into this crucial stage of qualification. Despite their lower ranking, Suriname, under the guidance of the experienced Ten Cate, will be determined to cause an upset.
The stakes are particularly high given the evolving landscape of the intercontinental playoff system. The uncertainty surrounding Iran’s participation in the World Cup – initially withdrawing due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, then reversing course – has created a potential pathway for Iraq to receive a direct ticket to the tournament. This means that if Suriname defeats Bolivia, they could potentially secure a World Cup berth without having to face Iraq at all. However, Ten Cate acknowledged the logistical challenges should they advance, noting the difficulties Iraq faces with airspace restrictions and potential lengthy travel arrangements.
Ten Cate, speaking to media outlets, emphasized the confidence within the Surinamese squad. “We are waiting to see what FIFA will decide,” he said. “We are leaving for Mexico this weekend, we are playing in Monterrey. We’ll see. One thing is certain: we are playing against Bolivia and I think the winner of that match will go to the World Cup.”
Suriname’s journey to this point has been marked by a growing sense of national pride and a belief that they can compete with established footballing nations. The inclusion of players like Joel Piroe and Melayro Bogarde, first-time call-ups to the national team, signals a recent era for Surinamese football. The team is hoping to build on this momentum and achieve the seemingly impossible: a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The match in Monterrey promises to be a tense and fiercely contested affair. Bolivia, buoyed by their recent success against Brazil, will be looking to capitalize on their higher ranking and home-field advantage. However, Suriname, with Chery leading the charge and Ten Cate at the helm, will be determined to make their mark and write a new chapter in their footballing history.
Following the match against Bolivia, the winner will await their fate, potentially facing Iraq in a final playoff showdown. The outcome of this tournament will not only determine which nation secures a place at the World Cup but will also shape the future of football in both Suriname and Bolivia.
Fans can follow updates on the match and the Surinamese national team through official FIFA channels and local news outlets. The game is scheduled to kick off on March 26th, with the exact kickoff time to be announced by FIFA.
