In January 2025, the Indonesian Football Federation suddenly fired coach Shin Tae-yong and announced the appointment of Dutch coach Patrick Kluivert.
Mr. Kluivert will make his debut with two matches in the 3rd qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup later this month. Indonesia's squad this time has the participation of 4 new players who are naturalized players, namely Ole Romeny, Emil Audero, Dean James and Joe Pelupessy.
The quality addition promises to help increase the strength of the team from the archipelago. In Group C, they are currently in 3rd place with 6 points. All three teams behind, Saudi Arabia, China and Bahrain, have 6 points. The tight gap between the teams makes the race more unpredictable and Indonesia must make a breakthrough to hope to participate in the 2026 World Cup through a direct ticket (for the two teams at the top of the group).
If they cannot finish in the top 2, Indonesia must have a 3rd or 4th place to participate in the 4th qualifying round.
Indonesia's match schedule in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers
16:10 on March 20: Australia vs Indonesia
8:45 p.m. on March 25: Indonesia vs Bahrain
