Indonesia Breaks New Ground in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
The Indonesian national football team has set multiple historic records during the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers, becoming the first ASEAN nation to advance to the fourth round of the competition. Despite doubts surrounding their ability to compete with established Asian powerhouses like Japan, Australia, and Saudi Arabia, Indonesia defied expectations by securing valuable points and showing resilience on the continental stage. This achievement marks a significant milestone for a team previously seen as underdogs in the region.
Indonesia’s performance in the third round has been especially impressive, with the team collecting 12 points from nine matches—an ASEAN best in World Cup qualifying history. This contrasts sharply with previous attempts by regional rivals such as Vietnam and Thailand, who earned far fewer points and mostly served as easy opponents for stronger teams. Indonesia’s ability to hold Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to draws, and even claim victories, signals a new level of competitiveness for the team.
Several remarkable milestones highlight Indonesia’s breakthrough campaign. For the first time in decades, they defeated China in an official match, ending a 38-year drought against the Asian giant. They also secured points against multiple teams ranked in the FIFA top 100, including strong performances against Saudi Arabia, Australia, and Bahrain. These results reflect the growing strength and confidence of the Indonesian squad under coach Patrick Kluivert.
In terms of FIFA rankings, Indonesia has risen significantly, reaching 117th place—its highest standing in nearly two decades. The team climbed six spots following their recent wins and continues to improve steadily. This upward trajectory not only rewards the players’ hard work but also fuels optimism for Indonesia’s future on the international football scene.
The Most Popular
-
June 9th Portugal vs Spain Prediction -
UEFA Nations League 2025 Final: Ronaldo vs Yamal Showdown -
7th Jun. FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA) - Norway VS Italy Prediction -
June 8th UEFA Nations League Germany vs France Prediction -
7th Jun. FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA) - North Macedonia VS Belgium Prediction -
Third-Place Clash: Germany vs France in Pride Battle
