The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to bring together the world's best players across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. While no Southeast Asian national team managed to qualify for the expanded 48-team tournament, the region will still have a presence on football's biggest stage through several players currently plying their trade in the region.
Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia are all represented, with Selangor, Terengganu, Port FC and Persib Bandung contributing players to World Cup squads. Several others also came close to securing places before final selections were announced.
Mohammad Abualnadi (Selangor/Jordan)
Abualnadi joined Selangor shortly after making his senior international debut for Jordan against North Korea in 2024. The 25-year-old quickly established himself as a regular in the Malaysian Super League and remained part of Jordan's plans throughout their qualification campaign. Born in the United States, his World Cup selection also completes a full-circle moment as he prepares to return to his country of birth for football's biggest tournament.
Noor Al-Rawabdeh (Selangor/Jordan)
One of Jordan's most experienced midfielders, Al-Rawabdeh arrived at Selangor in 2023 with significant international pedigree and retained his place throughout the country's historic journey to a first-ever World Cup appearance. His selection also reflects the growing competitiveness of the Malaysian Super League, with Jordan continuing to place its trust in a player competing domestically in Malaysia and across regional competitions.
Gervane Kastaneer (Terengganu/Curaçao)
Kastaneer's move to Terengganu in January 2026 did little to affect his standing with Curaçao. The forward played his part as the Caribbean nation secured a historic first World Cup qualification and now heads to the tournament with nine goals in 28 international appearances.
Rebin Sulaka (Port FC/Iraq)
Sulaka appeared to have fallen out of Iraq's plans after spending much of the past year away from the national team setup. However, an outstanding campaign with Port FC helped force his way back into contention. The veteran defender played a key role as the club finished second in Thai League 1, secured AFC Champions League Elite qualification and lifted the Thai League Cup.
Frans Putros (Persib Bandung/Iraq)
Despite limited involvement during Iraq's qualification campaign, Putros did enough to earn a place in the final squad. The Danish-born defender arrives at the World Cup after helping Persib win the 2025/26 league title in Indonesia.
Missed out: Alvin Fortes (Selangor/Cape Verde)
Fortes looked well placed to challenge for a World Cup berth after scoring 13 goals in 40 appearances for Selangor and helping the club reach the ASEAN Club Championship final. He also returned to the Cape Verde national team setup in March 2025 but ultimately missed out on a place in the final squad.
Missed out: Yuran Fernandes (PSM Makassar/Cape Verde)
Fernandes entered the conversation after making his Cape Verde debut in 2025 and later earning another call-up for a fixture against Egypt. However, the experienced centre-back was unable to secure one of the final places on the plane to North America.
Missed out: Kingsley Schindler (Buriram United/Ghana)
Schindler was another outsider who harboured hopes of a World Cup call-up after joining Buriram United on a free transfer from Turkish side Samsunspor. Although not registered for Thai League 1 action, the winger was instrumental in the club’s Thai FA Cup and ASEAN Club Championship success, including scoring an important goal against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the latter’s semi-finals.
