Did you know Indonesia holds the title as Asia’s first-ever representative at a FIFA World Cup?
Back in 1938, when the country was still known as the Dutch East Indies, it made history by competing in the tournament held in France.
The team played its only match against Hungary, a football powerhouse at the time, and although they lost 6-0, their participation marked a major milestone for Asian football.
According to FIFA archives, the Dutch East Indies qualified automatically after Japan withdrew from the Asian qualifying round.
This moment remains a proud part of Indonesia’s sporting legacy, reminding the world of Southeast Asia’s early footprint on the global football stage.
