Indonesia ‘s dream of returning to the World Cup stage is burning brighter than ever. Their unexpected success in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers has turned heads and raised hopes across the nation.
Despite being the first Asian team to grace the tournament back in 1938, Indonesia has been absent from the global stage ever since.
Now, their current unbeaten streak against formidable Asian opponents signals a potential turning point.
Draws against powerhouses Saudi Arabia and Australia, coupled with a hard-fought draw against Bahrain, have showcased Indonesia’s newfound strength and determination.
This impressive run has not only defied expectations but also ignited belief that qualification for the 2026 World Cup is within reach.
A key factor in Indonesia’s rise is the influx of talented overseas-born players with Indonesian heritage. Serie A defender Jay Idzes now captains the national team, while FC Dallas goalkeeper Maartens Paes delivered a standout performance in the draw against Saudi Arabia.
The recent additions of Eliano Reijnders and Mees Hilgers further strengthen the squad with European-honed talent.
With ten players competing in European leagues and others showcasing their skills in the US, South Korea, and Australia, Indonesia possesses a squad rich in international experience.
This stands in stark contrast to their upcoming opponents, China, who rely solely on players from their domestic league.
While China, a former World Cup participant, still boasts individual quality, their recent form has been lackluster. Heavy defeats to Japan and Australia, coupled with a narrow escape in the previous qualifying round, highlight their decline.
Even without their injured captain Wu Lei, China will pose a challenge, but Indonesia’s upward trajectory and newfound confidence make them favorites for Tuesday’s clash in Qingdao.
This match presents a golden opportunity for Indonesia to secure a historic first win in the third round of World Cup qualifying. With the prospect of facing China again on home soil in their electrifying Gelora Bung Karno Stadium next June, Indonesia is poised to seize this moment and take a significant step toward realizing their World Cup dream.
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