Jakarta. Riding a wave of confidence and improved form, Indonesia’s Garuda are gearing up for a high-stakes World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia in Riyadh early Thursday morning. After stunning the Green Falcons 2–0 in Jakarta last year, Patrick Kluivert’s side believes another upset is within reach.

Kickoff between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia is scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 00:15 Jakarta time, before Garuda face Iraq on Sunday, October 12, 02:30 WIB, in their continuing quest for a historic World Cup berth.

The timing couldn’t be better for Indonesia. The team has won four of its last five matches and climbed 15 places in the FIFA rankings to 119th, its best position in decades. By contrast, Saudi Arabia, sitting around 58th, has managed just one win in its last five, including a 1–1 draw with 102nd-ranked Trinidad & Tobago.

“I think the match is like a final. Big expectations, of course. The importance is very high,” said Kluivert. “Great intensity. I hope it will be a very good match.”

Garuda captain Jay Idzes, who plays in Italy’s Serie A with Sassuolo, expects a tough fight. “We know what the conditions will be. It’s not easy, it’s not impossible, but it’s going to be a great game,” he said.

While Saudi Arabia’s new faces,  including Marwan Al-Sahafi of Royal Antwerp and AS Roma’s Saud Abdulhamid, the first Saudi to score in Europe, add spark to the Green Falcons’ attack, Indonesia brings a growing sense of depth and experience.

Ten Indonesian players now compete across seven of the world’s top leagues, from Serie A and Ligue 1 to the Eredivisie and MLS. Europe-based players like Idzes, Calvin Verdonk (Lille), and Justin Hubner (Fortuna Sittard) have injected both confidence and composure into Kluivert’s evolving squad.

Local stalwarts such as Rizky Ridho and several Persib Bandung players continue to provide stability and chemistry, while the Thai League-based contingent adds physicality and tempo. It’s a balanced mix that’s proving increasingly difficult for Asian rivals to handle.

The difference in preparation could also play in Indonesia’s favor. While Iraq, Indonesia’s next opponent on Sunday, skipped friendlies after the last qualifying round, the Garuda stayed sharp with matches against Taiwan and Lebanon, maintaining rhythm and tactical cohesion.

Saudi Arabia, aiming to qualify for the 2026 World Cup as part of its long-term plan to co-host the 2034 edition, will be desperate to reclaim dominance after losing to Indonesia for the first time in 12 meetings. But Kluivert’s men, buoyed by form and fearless energy, have shown they can stand toe-to-toe with Asia’s heavyweights.

If the Red and White can score first and keep their composure under pressure, another statement result in Riyadh may not be out of reach.

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