Suriname, currently 126th on the FIFA rankings, is about to pull off an incredibly improbable accomplishment in the world of sports. That success cultivated a growing belief throughout a talented team that has already defied expectations and are just two games away from a World Cup spot. Should they succeed, they will be the lowest-ranked team to qualify for the tournament since FIFA implemented its ranking system. This incredible journey embodies the tenacity of the teams involved. More importantly, it shines a light on a quite remarkable evolution of Surinamese football over the past ten years.
Under the leadership of head coach Stanley Menzo, a legendary figure known for his contributions to Ajax and modern goalkeeping, Suriname has steadily improved its standing in international football. Menzo’s passion for the game has brought a sense of energy and desire for improvement around the team, as can be seen in their recent performances. Suriname’s general manager, Brian Tevreden, a former director of football at Reading, plays a crucial role in the team’s development and strategy.
Ten years ago Suriname was stuck at 191 out of 209 ranked FIFA teams. The nation that once was has changed beyond recognition. Its inhabitants, numbering barely more than 600,000, have joined forces in the name of supporting their national side. The introduction of “sport passports” for Dutch-born players of Surinamese descent has created new paths for talent acquisition. Players like Sheraldo Becker, Radinio Balker, and Dhoraso Klas have strengthened the squad, bringing diverse experiences and skills to the team. Virgil van Dijk Incredibly, Netherlands national team captain Virgil van Dijk is Surinamese on his mom’s side.
Suriname’s multicultural composition goes beyond its players. Every department in the structure of their team is staffed with shared personnel from both Holland and Suriname. This duality is key to building local knowledge and creating environmentally restorative practices in the active sport. Tevreden emphasized this approach by stating,
“We need someone local so they gain this knowledge and develop themselves. It is about education and giving back, creating something sustainable.”
This strategic collaboration has created a palpable sense of togetherness among players and staff. Tevreden observed a heartening scene during a recent match:
“I looked around the whole stadium, saw people from different cultures holding each other, cheering together.”
Suriname’s stunning 2-1 away win to El Salvador was a watershed moment in their qualification campaign. The 24 year old midfielder ignited dreams among fans that this eclectic underdog team could accomplish what almost no one thought possible—qualifying for the World Cup. If they succeed, Suriname would be the first country to do so. They’d be a boon to the many young Americans aspiring to join them at the highest level.
Tevreden shared some thoughts on the team’s story so far. He still remembers their lackluster start, punctuated by a humiliating scoreless draw with Panama on their first training camp. He remarked,
“I reminded Stan of that first training session when we were disappointed with a draw against Panama. Look how far we have come.”
Under Menzo and Tevreden’s direction, Surinamese football has experienced incredible momentum. This achievement is testament to the nation’s indomitable spirit and ambition, a remarkable story of their resilience beyond sporting glory. Neither man is underestimating what’s to come, but both are centered on the task in front of them.
“But we have to do this now. It is our time,” Tevreden asserted, underscoring the urgency of their mission.
As Suriname gets ready for those pivotal next rounds, everything is on the line. A fair qualification would effectively debunk the notion of what a competitive football country should look like. The historical precedent set by teams like North Korea, which qualified for the 2010 World Cup while ranked 105th, illustrates that lower-ranked teams can indeed defy expectations.
More than Suriname’s unique story, the country’s journey serves as a microcosm and reminder of football’s extraordinary power to transcend divides and unite communities. The team’s unique history, together with their diverse background, creates a deep sense of community and pride among its supporters. Tevreden stressed that this mix of cultures is part and parcel with their identity and purpose.
“It is a hell of a thing,” he noted when reflecting on the collective effort that has brought them to this moment.
Menzo’s coaching and Tevreden’s management are breaking down obstacles to success in this very ambitious project. In doing so, they’ve established the ideal conditions for a fairytale result that might reverberate well beyond the beautiful game. Equally important, they are dedicated to developing homegrown talent. By combining experience from abroad they demonstrate a progressive mentality that would help restore Suriname’s reputation in international football.
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