Indonesia Drawn in Pot 3 for 2026 World Cup Asian Qualifiers Fourth Round: What Lies Ahead?
Indonesia's national football team has officially been placed in Pot 3 for the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers, following the FIFA rankings released in June 2025. The draw is scheduled for mid-July in Malaysia, and Indonesia, ranked 118th globally, joins five other teams, including Oman, in this critical stage of the competition. This placement means Indonesia faces a tougher challenge as they are likely to be grouped with higher-ranked Asian teams.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) regulations state that the six teams will be split into two groups, each consisting of teams from three different pots. Since Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the World Cup co-hosts, cannot be in the same group, Indonesia will be grouped with either Qatar or Saudi Arabia along with two teams from Pot 2, such as Iraq or the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Both possible group combinations present significant hurdles for the Indonesian squad, as these opponents have strong reputations and recent successes in regional tournaments.
Qatar, the reigning Asian Cup champions, are known for their solid team performance and world-class facilities, making them formidable opponents, especially on home soil. Saudi Arabia remains a traditional powerhouse with a history of notable World Cup performances, including a memorable win over Argentina in 2022. Despite Indonesia's previous victory over Saudi Arabia, this group stage will test the team's growth and consistency.
Indonesia's matches against Iraq and the UAE will also be challenging due to past defeats and the presence of talented players like UAE’s Junior Ndiaye, who competes in a top European league. Although Indonesia is not a favorite from Pot 3, the team still has a fighting chance to advance by focusing on discipline, strategy, and determination. The top two teams from each group will qualify directly for the next round, while the runners-up will have another opportunity through intercontinental playoffs, keeping Indonesia’s World Cup hopes alive.
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