Jakarta. Underdog Indonesia faces a daunting test in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers, taking on regional powerhouses Saudi Arabia and Iraq in Jeddah this October. After defying the odds in earlier rounds by eliminating tough opponents including China and Bahrain, the Garuda squad now aims to shock the favorites and write a historic chapter in Indonesian football.

The first match between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 00:15 a.m Jakarta time. The game is expected to be fierce, as both teams share the same ambition of securing maximum points in this advanced stage.

Next, Indonesia will face Iraq on Sunday, Oct. 12, at 02:30 a.m Jakarta time. All the fourth-round qualifying matches will be held at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Jeddah. The final qualifying match will see Saudi Arabia face Iraq on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 02:30 a.m Jakarta time.

Indonesia advanced to the fourth round after finishing fourth in their third-round group, securing a crucial 1-0 victory over China at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on June 5. Indonesia ended the round with 12 points, just behind Saudi Arabia with 13. Japan topped the group with 23 points, followed by Australia with 19, with both securing their tickets to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. China and Bahrain were eliminated.

This achievement also marks a new chapter in national football history, as it represents the farthest stage Indonesia has ever reached in modern World Cup qualifying.

In this fourth round, the quality of opponents is certainly much tougher. Saudi Arabia is a regular participant in the World Cup. They have experienced players who compete in their domestic league at a high intensity, supported by long-term development programs. Similarly, Iraq currently ranks 58th in the FIFA standings.

However, Indonesia’s head coach Patrick Kluivert have prepared a special strategy. With Garuda’s fast play and high pressing, Kluivert aims to counter Saudi Arabia’s dominance, which is known for its solid defense and deadly counterattacks.

Beyond tactics, stamina management and mental strength will also be crucial. The schedule, with only three days between matches, clearly demands effective squad rotation. Patrick Kluivert is expected to rely on a mix of talented young players and experienced seniors to maintain the game’s intensity.

High Hopes from Indonesian Supporters

Although Saudi Arabia is favored, the Indonesian national team does not want to be mere participants. The target is to snatch crucial points, as the qualification format requires consistency from the start to remain competitive in the race for a 2026 World Cup ticket.

Securing positive results against Saudi Arabia in the last two encounters certainly keeps Indonesia’s hopes of victory alive. Indonesia will also need to work extremely hard when facing Iraq.

Indonesia’s preparations for the matches against Saudi Arabia and Iraq have been slightly disrupted by an injury to their key striker, Ole Romeny. The forward, currently playing for Oxford United, is sidelined due to injury and missed Indonesia’s two friendlies against Taiwan and Lebanon.

However, Patrick Kluivert can still count on the new faces recently called up to the national team, such as Mauro Zijlstra, Miliano Jonathans, and Adrian Wibowo. They showed promising performances in the friendly against Lebanon.

Indonesia vs. Saudi Arabia Head-to-Head

Saudi Arabia has historically dominated matches against Indonesia, winning 10 of their 13 encounters. However, recent results have shown improvement for Indonesia, including a 1-1 draw in September 2024 and a 2-0 victory in November 2024 during World Cup qualifiers.

• Sept. 30, 1981: Saudi Arabia 3-1 Indonesia (Lion City Cup)

• Oct. 10, 2003: Saudi Arabia 5-0 Indonesia (AFC Asian Cup)

• July 14, 2007: Indonesia 1-2 Saudi Arabia (AFC Asian Cup)

• Sept. 5, 2024: Saudi Arabia 1-1 Indonesia (World Cup Qualifier)

• Nov. 19, 2024: Indonesia 2-0 Saudi Arabia (World Cup Qualifier)

Indonesia vs. Iraq Head-to-Head

Iraq has been a challenging opponent for Indonesia, with Indonesia failing to secure a win in their nine non-tournament encounters, earning only one draw in 1973.

• March 16, 1973: Iraq 1-1 Indonesia (World Cup Qualifier)

• Nov. 19, 2013: Indonesia 0-2 Iraq (AFC Asian Cup)

• Nov. 16, 2023: Iraq 5-1 Indonesia (World Cup Qualifier)

• June 6, 2024: Indonesia 0-2 Iraq (World Cup Qualifier)

Despite the tough record, Indonesia's narrower 1-3 loss to Iraq in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup and a 0-2 result in their last meeting indicate gradual progress for the Garuda squad.

Indonesia National Team Schedule for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers:

1. Indonesia vs Saudi Arabia – Thursday, 9 Oct. 00:15 a.m.

2. Iraq vs Indonesia – Sunday, 12 Oct, 02:30 a.m

3. Saudi Arabia vs Iraq – Wednesday, 15 Oct, 02:30 a.m