Man City star hopes Indonesia will make it to the World Cup

Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has expressed his wish to see Indonesia’s national team qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Although born and raised in the Netherlands, Tijjani Reijnders has always held a special affection for Indonesia, his mother's homeland. According to CNN Indonesia, the Man City star has shared his hope of seeing Indonesia at the World Cup and possibly facing his younger brother there.

“I’ve watched every match Indonesia played in the World Cup qualifiers. They have a very real chance to make it. If that happens and I get to play against my brother Eliano Reijnders, who represents Indonesia, it would be a dream come true,” the Man City player revealed.

Additionally, Tijjani Reijnders has shared that Indonesia is one of the national teams he hopes to coach in the future.

“That’s definitely possible. Just like Patrick Kluivert once managed the Indonesian national team. But let’s wait and see what the future brings,” Reijnders said during a conversation on Astro’s YouTube channel.

Tijjani Reijnders’ younger brother, Eliano Reijnders, is currently seen as a new hope for Indonesian football. Recently called up to the main squad, the midfielder has quickly made his mark in the red and white shirt. If Tijjani and Eliano were to face each other at the World Cup, it would be a remarkable story in Indonesia’s football history.

Beyond football, Reijnders’ bond with Indonesia is also rooted in its culture and cuisine. The Man City player revealed that his favorite dish is fried rice, a beloved staple in Indonesia. “I often eat fried rice cooked by my grandmother. For me, she makes the best fried rice in the world,” he shared.

Reijnders also has a fondness for other traditional Indonesian flavors. He mentioned that his second favorite dish is Soto, a signature spiced soup. Additionally, rica-rica fish is another regular on his list of favorites.

With deep affection for his mother’s homeland and a passion for Asian football, Reijnders not only hopes to see Indonesia at the World Cup but also wishes to contribute to the growth of Indonesian football in the future.