Garuda Towards the World Stage: The Journey of the Indonesian National Team in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Entering May 2025, Indonesia currently ranks fourth in the Group C standings with nine points from eight matches. The Garuda team is three points ahead of Bahrain and China, who are below them.

With two matches remaining, Indonesia will face China on June 6, 2025, at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta. This match will determine the fate of advancing to the fourth round.

After that, Indonesia will play an away match against Japan on June 10, 2025 in Japan.

Coach Patrick Kluivert stated that a victory against China is non-negotiable to secure a top-four position and advance to the next round.

On June 27, 2024, the draw for the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers placed Indonesia in Group C alongside Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and China. The Chairman of PSSI, Erick Thohir, stated that Indonesia's realistic target is to advance to the fourth round, with hopes of finishing in third or fourth place.

"We will demonstrate that the Indonesian team has developed significantly. I think we believe in the opportunity and will showcase our best abilities," said midfielder Thom Haye.

Indonesia began its campaign in Jeddah against Saudi Arabia with a 1-1 draw. Ragnar Oratmangoen scored Indonesia's first goal in the 19th minute. Goalkeeper Maarten Paes saved a penalty by Salem Al-Dawsari in the 79th minute, securing an important point.

Shin Tae-yong asserted in a press conference, "We have a clear goal in this phase. We are the dark horse team."

In the first home match against Australia at SUGBK, Indonesia held to a 0-0 draw. Maarten Paes performed brilliantly with five saves.

Australia coach Graham Arnold acknowledged Paes' superiority. "Of course the Indonesian goalkeeper deserves to be the best player. This result is very disappointing for me," he said.

Visiting Bahrain, Indonesia almost bagged a win after leading 2-1 through goals from Ragnar Oratmangoen and Rafael Struick. However, referee Ahmed Al-Kaf gave excessive additional time, allowing Bahrain to equalize to 2-2. Manager Sumardji received a red card for protesting the decision.

The match against China in Qingdao ended in a 1-2 defeat. Indonesia trailed by two goals before Thom Haye reduced the deficit in the 86th minute.

Shin Tae-yong acknowledged the opponent's superiority. "China showed a greater desire to win than us," he said.

Playing in front of 60,304 supporters at SUGBK, Indonesia had to accept a 0-4 defeat from Japan. Justin Hubner's own goal opened Japan's lead before three more goals followed.

Shin Tae-yong said, "It's not easy to qualify for the World Cup. I can't guarantee it, but I will try to bring the team to third or fourth place."

Indonesia secured its first win by defeating Saudi Arabia 2-0 at SUGBK. Marselino Ferdinan scored a brace, becoming the star of the show.

"I hope Indonesian supporters don't overdo it celebrating this victory. We haven't achieved anything yet," Marselino said after the match.

In early January 2025, PSSI decided to fire Shin Tae-yong, who was considered to have failed in internal communication and team consistency. Erick Thohir emphasized, "The dynamics that occur in this communication must be more even."

Patrick Kluivert was appointed as a replacement with the hope of bringing a philosophy that suits the Indonesian diaspora players.

Kluivert's debut as coach of the Indonesian national team was marked by a crushing 1-5 defeat to Australia in Sydney.

"We fought like lions. We never lowered our heads. This result is certainly very disappointing not only for us, but also for the people who support Indonesia," said Kluivert in a post-match press conference.

Indonesia bounced back by beating Bahrain 1-0 at SUGBK through Ole Romeny's goal. Kluivert returned to the three-defender formation previously implemented by Shin Tae-yong.

"From my point of view, this result is just the beginning for me. In June, I will have more time to improve my weaknesses and help the team and players better," said Kluivert.

Ahead of the final match against China and Japan, PSSI extended the preparation period. Erick Thohir stated, "We will look for more time to prepare for the match in June. Players need time to build trust among themselves."

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto also attended to provide direct support. "Hopefully there is still a chance for us to continue to advance. God willing (to penetrate the World Cup)," said the President at SUGBK.

Currently, Indonesia is in fourth place in the standings with nine points from eight matches, three points ahead of Bahrain and China. Indonesia only needs one win against China at home on June 6, 2025 to secure fourth place and advance to the fourth round.

Kluivert is optimistic. "Our main goal is to qualify for the World Cup (2026). If we can't qualify directly, we will fight until the final round," he said.

Indonesia's journey in the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers showed many dynamics; starting from promising draws, painful defeats, to changing coaches. Even so, Garuda's hopes remain burning to continue to advance to the fourth round.

The fourth round will be filled by the six countries that are in third and fourth positions in their respective group standings in the third round.

The six countries will be divided into two groups of three. The winners of the two groups will qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

June 2025 will be a crucial point, when the entire nation is waiting to see whether the Indonesian National Team is able to record new history.

Note: This summary is based on a number of articles on kompas.id with the help of a generative artificial intelligence (AI) engine, and still goes through a process of checking and editing by Kompas editors.

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