Indonesia Beats Bahrain 1-0, Chance to Qualify for 2026 World Cup Still Open

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – Indonesia defeated Bahrain 1-0 in the eighth match of the third round of Group C qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, Tuesday (25/3/2025). The sole goal for the "Red and White" team was contributed by Ole Romeny. He successfully outmaneuvered Bahrain's goalkeeper, Ebrahim Lutfalla, in the 24th minute after receiving a pass from Marselino Ferdinan.

With that victory, Indonesia maintains its chances of qualifying for the final round of the 2026 World Cup, at least through the fourth round. The team coached by Patrick Kluivert will still play two final matches, namely hosting China (June 5, 2025) and visiting Japan (June 10, 2025).

In another match, Saudi Arabia secured a point after holding the host Japan to a 0-0 draw at Saitama Stadium, Japan. Japan had already secured a ticket to the final round of the 2026 World Cup after defeating Bahrain 2-0 in the previous match at the same stadium on Thursday (20/3/2025).

For Saudi Arabia, the overall results in this qualification window are very positive. They secured four points with a draw in Japan and a victory over China on their home ground. They are confirmed to be in third place (10 points) until the next window.

Meanwhile, Australia is getting closer to joining Japan in qualifying for the final round after defeating host China 2-0. They are in second place (13 points) with two matches remaining. Australia's next opponents are Japan and Saudi Arabia.

Indonesia's dream of qualifying for the final round of the 2026 World Cup remains alive to secure the two remaining direct tickets through the fourth round. The condition is that Indonesia must finish the third round in either third or fourth place.