The Indonesian team caused a surprise when they defeated Saudi Arabia with a score of 2-0 on November 19. They have risen to 3rd place in Group C, the 3rd qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup.
The hope of attending the biggest football festival on the planet is also open because they are only 1 point behind the team above Australia, equal in points with Saudi Arabia, China and Bahrain.
Sharing about this achievement, President of the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) - billionaire Erick Thohir - expressed to the Italian news site Corriere Dello Sport: "The biggest determination will be placed on the matches taking place in March and June 2025. The goal must be to win 6 points".
The victory over Saudi Arabia is the key. If they lose to them, it will be difficult to get a position in the top 4. Now, hope has come back," he added.
Erick Thohir affirmed that he will prepare bonuses if Shin Tae-yong and his team win 2 out of the remaining 4 matches in Group C.
Previously, we set a target of 12 points, now the team has won 6 points. We have to win 2 more matches to reach 12 points. If we can win 2 and draw 1, I will increase the bonus."
In March 2025, the team from the archipelago will visit Australia. After that, they will return home to welcome Bahrain and China. Indonesia will have to make the most of 2 home matches to get 6 points.
"Indonesia is a sleeping giant. Despite its great potential, football has not been well managed, professional and transparent in the past. But now, the passion for football of the Indonesian people has never been so high. Everyone can see how hard the Federation has worked to have an effective and solid roadmap.
Never before has the Indonesian team sold out so many consecutive tickets to play at home. Sponsors in all fields are willing to cooperate with us, with revenue from television rights doubling. The team attracted a lot of public attention. Participating in the 2026 World Cup will be an extraordinary achievement," Mr. Erick Thohir shared.
