Leeds United striker Joel Piroe has been named in Suriname’s 26-man squad for their inter-confederation World Cup playoff matches this month. The 26-year-old, who scored 19 goals in the Championship last season, recently secured FIFA approval to switch from the Netherlands to represent Suriname, where his father was born.
Suriname faces Bolivia on March 26 in Monterrey in a semifinal playoff. A win would set up a clash with Iraq on March 31 for a spot in the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
This marks the first appointment for new head coach Henk ten Cate, following Stanley Menzo’s departure after November’s failed Concacaf qualification campaign. Suriname, seeking its first World Cup appearance, relies heavily on Dutch-born players with heritage ties to the former colony.
The playoff winner advances to Group I, facing France, Norway, and Senegal.
Piroe had previously aimed for a call-up to the Dutch national team but opted for Suriname after no senior invitation materialized.