Coach Patrick Kluivert's team defeated China 1-0 on June 5. This result helped the Indonesian team firmly stand in the top 4 of Group C, thereby winning a ticket to the next qualifying round.
Although they did not win a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup, the Indonesian team still has a chance to make history if they play well in the 4th qualifying round. Currently, some of Indonesia's next opponents have been identified, including the UAE, Qatar, and Iraq. The remaining two spots will be contested between Oman, Palestine, Australia and Saudi Arabia.
The 4th qualifying round will have six third and fourth-placed teams from each group A, B and C of the 3rd round. These six teams will be divided into two groups, each group of three teams, with matches held centrally in the Middle East, specifically in Saudi Arabia and Qatar from October 8 to 14, 2025.
Each group will compete in a round-robin to calculate points and the top team will qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Meanwhile, the second-placed teams will meet in the play-off to compete for a ticket to the 5th qualifying round - where the winning team will qualify for the intercontinental play-off.
In general, Indonesia's upcoming opponents are all rated higher than them from the rankings to international competition experience. Most of these teams are in the West Asia region. However, the Indonesian team has reason to be confident, because their performance with the teams in this region is improving significantly.
In the third qualifying round, Indonesia is unbeaten in 4 matches against Bahrain with 2 wins and 2 draws. To prepare for the 4th qualifying round, the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) has also carefully planned for Patrick Kluivert and his team.
Accordingly, the Indonesian team will have 2 friendly matches against Kuwait and Lebanon - teams also in West Asia and have certain similarities in playing style like the opponents in the 4th qualifying round.
According to the schedule, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will draw the 4th qualifying round on July 17.
