Leeds United’s Joel Piroe vows Suriname will return stronger after play-off defeat

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·30 March 2026

Leeds United’s Joel Piroe vows Suriname will return stronger after play-off defeat

Leeds United’s Joel Piroe vowed Suriname will come back stronger after his senior international debut ended in a 2-1 play-off defeat to Bolivia.

He started Friday’s inter-confederation semi-final, helped Suriname lead 1-0, but Bolivia turned it around 2-1 to end their World Cup bid. The player said in a post: "A proud moment, but not how we imagined it. Had and felt a huge amount of support. We will come back stronger."

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Born in the Netherlands, Piroe represented his country at youth level up to under-20s before switching allegiance in January to Suriname through his father.

Suriname were seeking to reach the World Cup for the first time, progressing from the CONCACAF qualifiers to the inter-confederation play-offs. The winners of their semi-final would have faced Iraq for a place at the tournament.

Piroe marked the occasion with action images from his debut alongside his message.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk