Suriname national football team facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Suriname

Nickname(s)	Natio (National)
Association	Surinaamse Voetbal Bond (SVB)
Confederation	CONCACAF (North America)
Sub-confederation	CFU (Caribbean)
Head coach	Stanley Menzo
Captain	Stefano Denswil
Most caps	Marlon Felter (48)
Top scorer	Gleofilo Vlijter (15)
Home stadium	Franklin Essed Stadion
FIFA code	SUR
First colours Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current	153 (7 February 2019)
Highest	84 (August 2008)
Lowest	191 (December 2015)
Elo ranking
Current	146 6 (3 March 2019)
Highest	54 (23 July 1934)
Lowest	172 (21 February 2016)
First international
Suriname 0–5 British Guiana  (Surinam; 17 August 1915)
Biggest win
Suriname 9–0 French Guiana (Suriname; 2 March 1947) Suriname 9–0 British Guiana  (Netherlands Antilles; 17 February 1952) Suriname 9–0 British Guiana  (Aruba; 9 February 1953)
Biggest defeat
Suriname 1–8 Aruba (Suriname; 6 June 1946)  Mexico 8–1 Suriname  (Monterrey, Mexico; 15 October 1977)  Costa Rica 7–0 Suriname  (San José, Costa Rica; 6 September 2008)
CONCACAF Championship / Gold Cup
Appearances	3 (first in 1977)
Best result	Sixth place (1977)
Medal record CFU Championship Gold 1978 Trinidad and Tobago Team Bronze 1979 Suriname Team

The Suriname national football team is also known as Natio. It represents the country of Suriname in international football games. The team is managed by the Surinamese Football Association, which is a part of CONCACAF. CONCACAF is the football group for North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Even though Suriname is in South America, it plays in this group, just like Guyana and French Guiana.

History of Suriname Football

Suriname was one of the first countries to join CONCACAF in 1961. The team won the CFU Championship in 1978. They also finished second in 1979 and have placed fourth three times in the CFU Championship or Caribbean Cup.

Many talented players born in Suriname or with Surinamese family have played for the Dutch national team. This is because Suriname used to be a Dutch colony. Players like Ruud Gullit, Edgar Davids, and Virgil van Dijk are famous examples. In 1999, Humphrey Mijnals, who played for both Suriname and the Netherlands, was named Surinamese footballer of the century.

Suriname has tried to qualify for the FIFA World Cup since 1962 but has never made it to the final tournament. Their best try was for the 1978 World Cup, when they reached the final group stage.

In 2019, it was announced that Dutch professional footballers with Surinamese roots could play for Suriname. This was made possible by a special "sports passport." On November 19, 2019, Suriname qualified for the 2021 Gold Cup. This was their first time in the Gold Cup and their first big CONCACAF tournament since 1985!

In the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Suriname played against Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Guadeloupe. They lost their first two matches but won their last game against Guadeloupe 2-1.

After the 2021 Gold Cup, the Surinamese Football Association hired the Tevreden Group. This group helps find a new national coach and looks for Surinamese-Dutch professional players who want to play for the national team.

Team Uniforms

The team's uniforms are made by different companies.

Kit supplier	Period
Copa	2008–2010
Kelme	2011–2014
Klupp	2015–2024
Macron	2024–present

Recent Games and Future Plans

The Suriname national football team plays many games throughout the year. Here are some of their recent results and upcoming matches.

      Win       Draw       Loss       Fixture

Games in 2024

In 2024, Suriname played several important matches. They had a friendly game against Martinique that ended in a draw. They also played in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, winning against Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Anguilla.

In the CONCACAF Nations League, they won against Guyana twice and drew with Costa Rica. They lost to Guadeloupe and Canada.

Upcoming Games in 2025

Suriname has more exciting matches coming up in 2025. They will play in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup qualification against Martinique. They also have more World Cup qualification games scheduled against Puerto Rico and El Salvador.

Coaching the Team

The head coach of the Suriname national football team is Stanley Menzo. He works with a team of other coaches and staff to help the players.

As of 16 October  2024 (2024 -10-16)^[update]

Head Coach	Stanley Menzo
Assistant Coach	Ryan Koolwijk
Assistant Coach	Raymond Mannen
Goalkeeping Coach	Harmen Kuperus
Fitness Coach	Michiel ten Haken
Team Doctor	Willem Graafland
Physiotherapists	Robin Massier

Past Coaches

Many coaches have led the Suriname national team over the years. Some have coached the team more than once.

Team Players

The players listed here are part of the current Suriname national team squad. They were called up for the Nations League quarter-final matches in November 2024.

• The number of games played (Caps) and goals scored are correct as of November 19, 2024, after the match against Canada.

No.	Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club
	1GK	Etienne Vaessen	(1995-07-26) 26 July 1995 (age 29)	6	0	Groningen
	1GK	Ishan Kort	(2000-06-01) 1 June 2000 (age 25)	1	0	Be1 NFA
	1GK	Jonathan Fonkel	(2005-04-15) 15 April 2005 (age 20)	0	0	Robinhood
	2DF	Shaquille Pinas	(1998-03-19) 19 March 1998 (age 27)	22	3	Hammarby
	2DF	Myenty Abena	(1994-12-12) 12 December 1994 (age 30)	22	1	Spartak Moscow
	2DF	Dion Malone	(1989-02-13) 13 February 1989 (age 36)	21	0	Karmiotissa Polemidion
	2DF	Ridgeciano Haps	(1993-06-12) 12 June 1993 (age 32)	19	2	Venezia
	2DF	Stefano Denswil	(1993-05-07) 7 May 1993 (age 32)	10	0	Trabzonspor
	2DF	Djevencio van der Kust	(2001-04-30) 30 April 2001 (age 24)	10	2	Sparta Rotterdam
	2DF	Anfernee Dijksteel	(1996-10-27) 27 October 1996 (age 28)	9	0	Middlesbrough
	2DF	Liam van Gelderen	(2001-03-23) 23 March 2001 (age 24)	6	0	RKC Waalwijk
	3MF	Roscello Vlijter	(2000-01-01) 1 January 2000 (age 25)	13	0	Riteriai
	3MF	Kenneth Paal	(1997-06-24) 24 June 1997 (age 28)	11	0	Queens Park Rangers
	3MF	Immanuel Pherai	(2001-04-25) 25 April 2001 (age 24)	7	0	Hamburger SV
	3MF	Justin Lonwijk	(1999-12-21) 21 December 1999 (age 25)	7	2	Viborg
	3MF	Renske Adipi	(1999-08-01) 1 August 1999 (age 25)	6	0	Robinhood
	3MF	Jayden Turfkruier	(2002-09-25) 25 September 2002 (age 22)	1	0	Telstar
	4FW	Gleofilo Vlijter	(1999-09-17) 17 September 1999 (age 25)	26	15	OFK Beograd
	4FW	Sheraldo Becker	(1995-02-09) 9 February 1995 (age 30)	16	5	Real Sociedad
	4FW	Virgil Misidjan	(1993-07-24) 24 July 1993 (age 31)	9	2	Ferencváros
	4FW	Jaden Montnor	(2002-08-09) 9 August 2002 (age 22)	6	2	Aris Limassol
	4FW	Dylan Vente	(1999-05-09) 9 May 1999 (age 26)	4	0	PEC Zwolle
	4FW	Tyrone Conraad	(1997-04-07) 7 April 1997 (age 28)	3	2	Sharjah

Other Players Called Up Recently

These players have also been part of the Suriname squad in the last year.

Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club	Latest call-up
GK	Warner Hahn	(1992-06-15) 15 June 1992 (age 33)	22	0	Hammarby	v.  Canada, 31 October 2024 INJ
GK	Joey Roggeveen	(1998-03-20) 20 March 1998 (age 27)	1	0	Tulsa	v.  Costa Rica, 11 October 2024 PRE
GK	Jahnilo Wiegel	(2005-03-13) 13 March 2005 (age 20)	0	0	PEC Zwolle	v.  Martinique, 24 March 2024
DF	Silvinho Esajas	(2002-07-08) 8 July 2002 (age 23)	0	0	ADO Den Haag	v.  Canada, 31 October 2024 PRE
DF	Kelvin Leerdam	(1990-06-24) 24 June 1990 (age 35)	18	0	Heracles Almelo	v.  Costa Rica, 11 October 2024 PRE
DF	Damil Dankerlui	(1996-08-24) 24 August 1996 (age 28)	11	0	Almere City	v.  Costa Rica, 11 October 2024 PRE
DF	Sean Klaiber	(1994-07-31) 31 July 1994 (age 30)	3	0	Brøndby	v.  Guyana, 5 September 2024
DF	Alierio Belfor	(1999-05-04) 4 May 1999 (age 26)	0	0	Robinhood	v.  Anguilla, 8 June 2024
DF	Navajo Bakboord	(1999-01-29) 29 January 1999 (age 26)	5	0	Heracles Almelo	v.  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, 5 June 2024 PRE
DF	Radinio Balker	(1998-09-03) 3 September 1998 (age 26)	0	0	Huddersfield Town	v.  Martinique, 24 March 2024
MF	Denzel Jubitana	(1999-05-06) 6 May 1999 (age 26)	4	1	Atromitos	v.  Canada, 31 October 2024 PRE
MF	Dhoraso Klas	(2001-01-30) 30 January 2001 (age 24)	4	0	Deinze	v.  Costa Rica, 11 October 2024 PRE
MF	Sergino Eduard	(1994-09-04) 4 September 1994 (age 30)	27	1	Transvaal	v.  Guadeloupe, 9 September 2024
MF	Faustino Benali	(1999-05-11) 11 May 1999 (age 26)	0	0	PVV	v.  Guyana, 5 September 2024PRE
MF	Shiloh 't Zand	(2003-05-14) 14 May 2003 (age 22)	0	0	Dordrecht	v.  Martinique, 7 March 2024 PRE
FW	Jamilhio Rigters	(1999-11-11) 11 November 1999 (age 25)	15	3	Robinhood	v.  Canada, 31 October 2024 PRE
FW	Gyrano Kerk	(1995-12-02) 2 December 1995 (age 29)	5	0	Antwerp	v.  Canada, 31 October 2024 PRE
FW	Jeredy Hilterman	(1998-06-20) 20 June 1998 (age 27)	8	2	Arminia Bielefeld	v.  Costa Rica, 11 October 2024 PRE
FW	Leandro Kappel	(1989-11-14) 14 November 1989 (age 35)	6	0	Pendikspor	v.  Costa Rica, 11 October 2024 PRE
FW	Delano Burgzorg	(1998-11-07) 7 November 1998 (age 26)	0	0	Middlesbrough	v.  Costa Rica, 11 October 2024 PRE
FW	Richonell Margaret	(2000-07-07) 7 July 2000 (age 25)	0	0	RKC Waalwijk	v.  Costa Rica, 11 October 2024 PRE
FW	Dimitrie Apai	(1994-07-19) 19 July 1994 (age 30)	25	4	Transvaal	v.  Guadeloupe, 9 September 2024
FW	Florian Jozefzoon	(1991-02-09) 9 February 1991 (age 34)	18	1	Bandırmaspor	v.  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, 5 June 2024 PRE
FW	Yanic Wildschut	(1991-11-01) 1 November 1991 (age 33)	6	1	Exeter City	v.  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, 5 June 2024 PRE
FW	Luciano Slagveer	(1993-10-05) 5 October 1993 (age 31)	1	0	Unattached	v.  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, 5 June 2024 PRE
FW	Mitchell te Vrede	(1991-09-07) 7 September 1991 (age 33)	6	2	Unattached	v.  Martinique, 7 March 2024 PRE
FW	Ché Nunnely	(1999-02-04) 4 February 1999 (age 26)	0	0	Heerenveen	v.  Martinique, 7 March 2024 PRE
INJ Withdrew due to injury PRE Preliminary/Standby squad RET Retired from the national team SUS Serving suspension WD Player withdrew from the squad due to non-injury issue.

Player Records

These tables show the players who have played the most games and scored the most goals for Suriname. Players whose names are in bold are still playing for the national team.

Most Games Played

Top Goal Scorers

Tournament History

Suriname has competed in many football tournaments over the years. Here's a look at their performance in some of the major ones.

FIFA World Cup

Suriname has tried to qualify for the FIFA World Cup many times but has not yet reached the main tournament.

FIFA World Cup										Qualification
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA		Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA
as /  Dutch Guyana										as /  Dutch Guyana
1930 and 1934	Did not enter									Declined participation
1938	Withdrew									Withdrew
1950 to 1958	Did not enter									Declined participation
1962	Did not qualify									2	0	1	1	1	2
1966										4	1	0	3	8	9
1970										4	2	0	2	10	9
1974										4	2	1	1	11	4
as  Suriname										as  Suriname
1978	Did not qualify									10	2	2	6	15	24
1982										4	2	1	1	5	3
1986										6	1	2	3	4	10
1990	Withdrew									Withdrew
1994	Did not qualify									4	1	2	1	4	4
1998										2	0	0	2	0	2
2002										4	1	1	2	1	2
2006										4	2	1	1	12	6
2010										9	3	2	4	14	21
2014										6	2	1	3	5	11
2018										2	0	0	2	1	4
2022										4	3	0	1	15	4
2026	To be determined									2	2	0	0	8	1
2030										To be determined
2034
Total		0/22							71	24	14	33	114	116

CONCACAF Gold Cup

The CONCACAF Gold Cup is the main football competition for teams in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Suriname first qualified for it in 2021.

CONCACAF Championship & Gold Cup record											Qualification record
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA	Squad		Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA
1963	Did not enter										Did not enter
1965
1967
1969
1971	Withdrew										Withdrew
1973	Did not qualify										4	2	1	1	11	4
1977	Sixth place	6th	5	0	0	5	6	17	Squad		2	1	0	1	3	2
1981	Did not qualify										4	2	1	1	5	3
1985	Group stage	9th	4	0	1	3	2	9	Squad		2	1	1	0	2	1
1989	Did not enter										Did not enter
1991	Did not qualify										2	1	1	0	2	1
1993	Withdrew										Withdrew
1996	Did not qualify										3	1	1	1	3	6
1998	Did not enter										Did not enter
2000	Did not qualify										2	0	2	0	1	1
2002											6	2	2	2	14	12
2003	Withdrew										Withdrew
2005	Did not qualify										3	0	2	1	3	4
2007											6	2	1	3	4	10
2009											5	2	1	2	6	6
2011											6	3	1	2	13	9
2013											6	3	1	2	14	11
2015											3	0	2	1	3	4
2017											8	3	1	4	12	12
2019											4	2	1	1	8	2
2021	Group stage	10th	3	1	0	2	3	5	Squad		6	4	1	1	16	5
2023	Did not qualify										5	0	2	3	2	9
2025	Group stage	TBD	0	0	0	0	0	0	0		0	0	0	0	0
Total	Sixth place	3/27	12	1	1	10	11	31	—	77	29	22	26	122	102

CONCACAF Nations League

The CONCACAF Nations League is a newer competition for CONCACAF teams.

CONCACAF Nations League record
League											Finals
Season	Division	Group	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	P/R		Finals	Result	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	Squad
2019–20	B	D	6	4	1	1	16	5			2021	Ineligible
2022–23	A	A	4	0	1	3	2	9			2023	Did not qualify
2023–24	A	B	4	1	2	1	6	3			2024
2024–25	A	A	To be determined								2025	To be determined
Total	—	—	14	5	4	5	24	17	—		Total	0 Titles	—	—	—	—	—	—	—

CFU Caribbean Cup

The CFU Championship and Caribbean Cup were important tournaments for Caribbean teams.

CFU Championship & Caribbean Cup									Qualification
Year	Round	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA		Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA
1978	Champions	3	3	0	0	8	0		4	4	0	0	9	1
1979	Runners-up	3	1	0	2	5	4		Qualified as host
1981	Did not qualify								7	2	2	3	12	13
1983									2	0	1	1	0	1
1985	Fourth place	3	0	2	1	2	4		4	3	0	1	3	1
1988	Did not qualify								2	1	1	0	2	1
1989	Did not enter								Did not enter
1990	Did not qualify								3	1	1	1	7	4
1991									2	1	1	0	2	1
1992	Group stage	3	0	1	2	2	6		3	3	0	0	12	2
1993	Did not enter								Did not enter
1994	Fourth place	5	1	1	2	5	8		2	2	0	0	4	0
1995	Did not qualify								3	1	1	1	3	6
1996	Fourth place	5	1	1	2	5	9		4	2	1	1	6	5
1997	Did not enter								Did not enter
1998	Did not qualify								3	0	3	0	8	8
1999									2	0	2	0	1	1
2001	Group stage	3	0	1	2	4	9		3	2	1	0	10	3
2005	Did not qualify								3	0	2	1	3	4
2007									6	2	1	3	4	10
2008	Did not enter								Did not enter
2010	Did not qualify								6	3	1	2	13	9
2012									6	3	1	2	14	11
2014									3	0	2	1	3	4
2017									8	3	1	4	12	12
Total	1 Title	25	6	6	11	31	40	53	47	26	17	95	103

Other Tournaments

Suriname has also played in other tournaments like the CCCF Championship, Pan American Games, and the ABCS Tournament.

• CCCF Championship: They finished fourth in 1960.
• Pan American Games: They reached the group stage in 1991.
• ABCS Tournament: They have won this tournament three times (2010, 2013, 2015).

Team Records

Here are some of the biggest wins, draws, and losses for the Suriname national football team.

Biggest Wins

• Largest win overall: 9–0 against French Guiana on March 2, 1947.
• Largest win in CONCACAF Nations League: 6–0 against Nicaragua on September 8, 2019.
• Largest win in ABCS Tournament: 8–0 against Bonaire on July 13, 2012.

Highest Scoring Draws

• Highest scoring draw overall: 3–3 against Aruba on August 29, 1953, and against Netherlands Antilles on March 2, 1998, and against Cuba on November 12, 2010.

Largest Defeats

• Largest defeat overall: 9–2 against Netherlands on July 30, 1958.
• Largest defeat in CONCACAF Championship finals: 8–1 against Mexico on October 15, 1977.

Honours and Awards

Suriname has won some tournaments and received awards over the years.

Regional Titles

• CFU Championship/Caribbean Cup:
  • Champions (1): 1978
  • Runners-up (1): 1979

Friendly Tournament Wins

• ABCS Tournament
  • Champions (3): 2010, 2013, 2015
  • Runners-up (2): 2012, 2022
  • Third place (1): 2011
• Betty Brown Challenge Cup
  • Champions (1): 1943
• Coupe Duvalier
  • Runners-up (1): 1966
• Parbo Bier Cup
  • Runners-up (1): 2004

See also

In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Surinam para niños

• Surinam Airways Flight 764