After losing 1-2 to China in the third qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup, the Indonesian team faced a wave of criticism and sarcasm on social media.
In particular, the Indonesian team's policy of using naturalized players is becoming a controversial topic among Asian public opinion.
On Southeast Asian football forums, Thai, Malaysian, Vietnamese fans… left many comments about the match.
On the ASEAN Football fanpage, Thailand's Krongkai Chaichot account sarcastically said: "It's okay guys, if the Indonesian coach could arrange for center back Van Dijk and Cody Gakpo to play as strikers next to Memphis Depay, the result would definitely not be like this. Anyway, I always support you guys. Love from Thailand."
Not only did Asian fans mock the use of naturalized players, they also "retaliated" against Indonesian fans.
“Lesson learned, we need to stay humble, not underestimate our opponents and mock other top teams. Shin Tae-yong is completely at fault for using and arranging this formation,” commented an account named Firman Syah from West Asia.
Agreeing, a Malaysian fan shared: "That's why you shouldn't mock other national teams. Keep focusing on your national team."
Meanwhile, Jirawat Phimmetsamrong commented: "This is the quietest time in the world, because we don't have to listen to the noise and bragging of Indonesian fans."
For Indonesian fans, even though the national team lost to China, they still have an optimistic view, believe in and encourage their team.
"Keep up the good work. Remember our team is still very young. If we don't succeed in this World Cup, we will try next time with a more mature squad. The result will definitely be different...", commented Fahrul Aloem.
Previously, last night (October 15), the Indonesian team had a match with China in the 4th match, 3rd qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup. With the ambition to win 3 points, coach Shin Tae-yong used many naturalized players in the squad.
However, they received a bitter defeat when China scored 2 goals in the first half. The efforts of the team from the archipelago only helped coach Shin Tae-yong and his team score 1 goal in the 86th minute. The above result caused Indonesia to be leveled on the rankings by their opponents.
