Jakarta, Indonesia fell just short in their opening Group B match of the 2026 World Cup Asian Qualifiers, losing 3-2 to Saudi Arabia in a thrilling encounter at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium early Thursday.

The Garuda squad made a dream start when Kevin Diks calmly converted an 11th-minute penalty after a handball by Saudi defender Hassan Al Tambakti. But the hosts hit back quickly, as Saleh Abu Alshamat leveled the score in the 17th minute following a lapse in Indonesia’s defense.

The Green Falcons' striker Feras Albrikan then turned the game around with a penalty in the 36th minute before adding his second goal midway through the second half to put the Green Falcons 3-1 ahead.

Indonesia refused to go quietly. Their persistent pressure paid off in the 87th minute when another Saudi handball led to a second penalty, and Diks again found the net to make it 3-2. Despite a spirited late push, the visitors couldn’t find an equalizer before the final whistle.

The result left Indonesia bottom of Group B without a point, while Saudi Arabia sit top with three points. Iraq, who have yet to play, are in second place.

Indonesia coach Patrick Kluivert said the narrow defeat didn’t reflect the balance of play. “We started very well but conceded through mistakes that should’ve been avoided,” Kluivert told reporters after the game. “It’s disappointing, but the effort was there.”

PSSI Chairman and Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir praised the team’s fighting spirit despite the loss.

“It’s not the result we wanted, but the players gave everything,” Erick wrote on Instagram. “Now it’s time to regroup and focus on the next game against Iraq.”

Team captain Jay Idzes admitted that momentum shifted after Saudi Arabia’s quick turnaround. “After taking the lead, we conceded too fast and it was hard to regain control,” Idzes said. “But we’ll keep fighting.”

Indonesia will look to bounce back when they face Iraq on Sunday (Oct. 12) at 2:30 a.m. WIB, again in Jeddah.

The group winner will secure a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup, while the runner-up will move on to the fifth-round playoffs for another shot at qualification.

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