Indonesia has made a significant mark in international football by becoming the only Southeast Asian country to qualify for the fourth round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
This remarkable achievement underscores the growth of football in the region and highlights Indonesia's rising prominence on the world stage.
With tough matches ahead against powerhouses like Saudi Arabia and Iraq, this moment is not only a proud milestone for Indonesia but also a beacon of hope for Southeast Asia, a region that has long struggled to make an impact on the global football scene.
Historic Achievement for Indonesia in the World Cup Qualifiers
Reaching the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers is a landmark achievement for Indonesia. As the only Southeast Asian nation to advance this far, Indonesia has proven that it has the potential to compete at the highest levels of world football.
This achievement builds on years of hard work and determination, not just from the national team but also from local clubs, coaches, and the footballing infrastructure that continues to develop in the country.
The success marks the first time Indonesia has reached such a significant stage, bringing immense pride and inspiration to fans across the nation.
Upcoming Matches: A Road to Glory
The next phase of the qualifiers brings two challenging encounters for Indonesia. On October 9, 2025 at 00.15 WIB (Western Indonesia Time), Indonesia will face Saudi Arabia at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
This match will be a test of character for the Garuda team, as Saudi Arabia, the host of Group B, will be looking to leverage their home advantage. Their recent encounter with Indonesia in the third round ended in a 1-1 draw in Jeddah, while Indonesia triumphed 2-0 in Jakarta. With this positive result in mind, the Indonesian squad is motivated to give their best performance and secure a favorable outcome in this highly anticipated match.
Just a few days later, on October 12, 2025 at 02.30 WIB (Western Indonesia Time), Indonesia will play Iraq in another crucial fixture, also at King Abdullah Sports City. This match holds significant importance as only the top team from each group will secure direct entry to the 2026 World Cup.
Indonesia’s chances of progressing depend on how well they perform against both Saudi Arabia and Iraq, and every point counts as they aim to finish in one of the top two spots in Group B.
The Call-Up List: Key Players for the Fourth Round
Indonesia’s squad for the fourth round includes a mix of experienced players and fresh talent. Goalkeepers Maarten Paes, Ernando Ari Sutaryadi, and Emil Audero Mulyadi have been called up, with the responsibility of keeping the net secure.
In defense, Jay Noah Idzes, Kevin Diks, Jordi Amat Maas, Rizky Ridho Ramadhani, Justin Quincy Hubner, and others will play pivotal roles in ensuring the team's defensive stability.
Midfielders Joey Mathijs Pelupessy, Marc Anthony Klok, Nathan Noel Romejo Tjoe-A-On, and Thom Jan Marinus Haye will be crucial in controlling the tempo of the game, while the attacking force will be bolstered by players like Ole Romeny, Stefano Jantje Lilipaly, and Egy Maulana Vikri.
The forward line will also feature emerging talents like Miliano Jonathans, Yakob Sayuri, and Mauro Zijlstra. Together, this squad is set to take on the challenges of the fourth round and carry Indonesia’s hopes on the global stage.
The Road Ahead: Groupings and Qualification Path
The fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers is divided into two groups: Group A and Group B. The teams in each group will face off against each other, with the top team from each group earning an automatic ticket to the World Cup.
The runner-up teams will meet in a play-off, where the winner will then progress to the intercontinental play-offs for one final chance to qualify for the World Cup.
In Group A, we have:
- Qatar (Host)
- United Arab Emirates
- Oman
And in Group B, Indonesia will compete against:
- Saudi Arabia (Host)
- Iraq
- Indonesia
With such high stakes, the matches will be fiercely contested. Indonesia will need to secure top positions in their group, which is no easy task, especially against formidable opponents like Saudi Arabia and Iraq. But their historic journey to this point has proven that they are capable of overcoming challenges on the global stage.
Hope for Southeast Asia’s Football Future
As Indonesia faces off against Saudi Arabia and Iraq in the coming months, the entire Southeast Asian football community is watching with anticipation. Indonesia’s success in making it to Round 4 serves as a beacon of hope for the future of football in the region.
The country has already shown that it can compete at the highest levels, and with continued support, infrastructure development, and investment, Southeast Asia can expect more countries to follow in Indonesia’s footsteps.
For Indonesia, this journey represents more than just a football tournament, it is an opportunity to further develop the sport, inspire the next generation of players, and put Southeast Asia on the footballing map. As the world watches, Indonesia’s performance in these crucial matches could change the landscape of Southeast Asian football forever.
This is a moment to embrace, as it reflects the growing strength and potential of the region in the global football arena.
