Pablo Rosario has officially become part of the Dominican Republic national team since this international break. The former PSV player immediately featured in two matches. "I’m very happy to be here."
Pablo Rosario has officially embarked on a new chapter in his international football career. The former Netherlands international, who made his debut for Oranje back in 2018, has now switched his national allegiance to the Dominican Republic.
This decision was made possible under FIFA’s updated eligibility rules, which allow players with multiple nationalities and limited appearances for one country to switch if certain conditions are met. For Rosario, who only played once for the Dutch senior team in a friendly match, the door remained open and he stepped through it.
During the June international break, Rosario was formally called up to the Dominican Republic national team for the first time. The 27-year-old midfielder, currently playing for OGC Nice in France, didn’t waste any time making an impact. He was named in the starting lineup for both of the team’s opening World Cup qualifying matches, facing Guatemala and Dominica.
The first match, away against Guatemala, proved to be a tough initiation. Despite a spirited performance, the Dominican Republic fell to a 4–2 defeat. The Central Americans, playing in front of a raucous home crowd, took advantage of some defensive lapses and pressed high throughout the match. Rosario held his own in midfield and showed glimpses of his composure and experience, but the team struggled to contain Guatemala's quick transitions.
Just days later, however, the Dominican Republic returned home and produced a far more convincing performance. They crushed Dominica 5–0 in front of an enthusiastic home crowd, with Rosario again starting and playing a key role in midfield. He even provided an assist in the match, helping to dictate the tempo and contributing to the team’s attacking transitions. It was a glimpse of what the national side could look like when their European-based players gel fully with the domestic core.
Speaking to media after his debut week with the Caribbean nation, Rosario expressed his excitement and pride.
“This is a great moment for me. I’m very happy to be here,” he said. “There are other players here from Europe too, even though football is also growing in the Dominican Republic. It’s exciting to be part of something that’s developing.”
Indeed, Rosario is now part of a growing movement of diaspora players who are choosing to represent their ancestral homelands, bringing with them valuable experience from European leagues. The Dominican Republic squad now includes names like Juan Familia-Castillo (RKC Waalwijk) and Junior Firpo (Leeds United), both of whom also grew up and played professionally in Europe. Their inclusion signals a clear intention from the Dominican football federation: to strengthen the national team by uniting local talent with internationally seasoned players.
Rosario spoke warmly about the atmosphere in the squad. “My reception by the team was perfect,” he explained. “I was on the plane with about eight other players, and we started talking immediately. It felt natural. The fans of the Dominican Republic are amazing. They support us so much the energy around this team is really special.”
While Rosario's presence in the Dominican side marks a major boost, it also formally ends his association with the Netherlands national team. Despite making his debut under Ronald Koeman in 2018, competition for places in the Dutch midfield was fierce, and Rosario never managed to break through beyond that single friendly appearance. By choosing to represent the Dominican Republic now, he closes the door on Oranje permanently under FIFA rules, once a player switches allegiance and features in an official competitive match, the decision is final.
Looking ahead, the path to qualification won’t be easy. The Dominican Republic currently sits third in their group after two matches behind Jamaica, who are widely considered favorites to win the group, and Guatemala, who dealt Rosario’s new side their first defeat. The group also includes Dominica and the British Virgin Islands, both seen as outsiders. With only the group winner guaranteed advancement to the next round of qualifying, every match will be crucial.
Nevertheless, the addition of players like Rosario offers hope for fans eager to see their country make a breakthrough on the international stage. The Dominican Republic has never qualified for a FIFA World Cup, but with stronger infrastructure, a more competitive squad, and increased visibility, things are slowly changing.
For Rosario, this is more than just a career move it’s a reconnection with his roots. “Representing the Dominican Republic is something that makes me proud,” he said. “It’s about family, heritage, and giving back to a country that’s part of who I am. I hope we can achieve something special together.”
