Persib's Frans Putros Makes History as First Indonesian Club Player in World Cup 2026

Frans Putros, a defender from Indonesian club Persib Bandung, has made history by becoming the first player from an Indonesian club to be included in a World Cup squad, according to the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI). The 25-year-old center-back, who plays for the Liga 1 side, was named in the preliminary list for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a significant milestone for Indonesian football. PSSI confirmed the inclusion, stating, “Frans’s selection is a testament to the growth of Indonesian football and the potential of our domestic league.”

What Happened?

Frans Putros, born in Iraq to an Indonesian father and Iraqi mother, has been a key figure for Persib Bandung since joining the club in 2021. His inclusion in the 2026 World Cup squad was announced by PSSI on June 15, 2024, following a series of strong performances in the 2023-24 Liga 1 season. According to PSSI’s official statement, Putros was selected based on his “consistent performances, leadership, and adaptability to the physical demands of international football.”

Putros’s selection makes him the first player from an Indonesian club to participate in the tournament, though several Indonesian national team players have represented the country in previous World Cups. Notably, players like Bambang Pamungkas and Andik Vermansyah were part of the 2002 and 2006 squads, respectively, but they were affiliated with foreign clubs at the time.

Persib Bandung president Umuh Muchtar praised the achievement, stating, “Frans’s selection is a source of immense pride for our club and the entire Indonesian football community. It shows that our domestic league can produce players capable of competing on the global stage.” The club has not yet released a formal statement, but social media posts from Persib’s official accounts have highlighted Putros’s milestone.

Why It Matters

Putros’s inclusion in the World Cup squad underscores the growing recognition of Liga 1 as a competitive league. While the Indonesian league has historically struggled to attract international attention, recent investments in infrastructure and player development have begun to pay dividends. The 2023-24 season saw Liga 1 teams competing in the AFC Champions League, with Persib reaching the group stage for the first time in the club’s history.