PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia Super League could once again make its mark on the global stage, with three current foreign players on course to feature at the 2026 World Cup.
Selangor’s Jordanian duo Noor Al-Rawabdeh and Mohammad Abualnadi, along with Terengganu striker Gervane Kastaneer of Curacao, are all in contention to represent their countries at football’s biggest tournament.
The trio were recently called up for international duty as part of their nations’ preparations for upcoming World Cup qualifiers and international fixtures.
Selangor announced that Al-Rawabdeh and Abualnadi had been named in Jordan’s preliminary squad for friendly matches against Switzerland on May 31 and Colombia on June 8.
“A proud moment as our players step onto the international stage once again, representing their nations with pride,” the club said in a statement.
The announcement also came amid emotional scenes at Selangor, with both Al-Rawabdeh and Abualnadi posting farewell messages on social media, although it remains unclear whether they are leaving the club or simply marking the end of the recently concluded season.
“After three unforgettable years with Selangor FC, I would like to thank the club for trusting me to grow both as a player and as a person,” said Al-Rawabdeh in a heartfelt message on social media.
“To my teammates and everyone behind the scenes, I will always be grateful for the memories, experiences and moments we shared together.
“And to the amazing fans who supported me throughout this journey, your passion and love for the club will always stay with me.
“No matter where football takes me next, a part of me will always belong to Selangor.”
Meanwhile, Terengganu confirmed that Kastaneer has been selected by Curacao for their World Cup qualifying campaign in June.
The latest developments continue a proud tradition of World Cup-linked foreign imports featuring in Malaysian football, either before or after their time in the local league.
Among the notable names are former Argentina playmaker Pablo Aimar, who played for Johor Darul Ta’zim after representing Argentina at the 2002 World Cup, and Senegal legend El Hadji Diouf, who turned out for Sabah following his appearance at the same tournament.
Other World Cup players to have featured in Malaysia include Shane Smeltz (Kedah, New Zealand 2010), Bosko Balaban (Selangor, Croatia 2002 and 2006), Jerry Palacios (Armed Forces, Honduras 2010 and 2014), Dimitri Petratos (Kelantan, Australia 2018), Andrew Nabbout (Negri Sembilan, Australia 2018), Perica Ognjenovic (Selangor, Yugoslavia 1998), Joel Epalle (Sarawak, Cameroon 2002) and the late Stephen Keshi (Perlis, Nigeria 1994).
