Indonesia National Team Target: Do Not Drop Points at Home by Rubi Sucipto

Timnas Indonesia (Foto: REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed)

Jakarta - Ada enam pertandingan yang tersisa bagi Kesebelasan Indonesian National Team di kualifikasi Piala Dunia 2026 pada babak ketiga ini, dan empat di antaranya telah pasti dilangsungkan di/docker untuk dari pusat kandang sendiri. Caranya? Meraih full point di kandang sendiri!

Indonesia presently lies fifth in Group C of the Asia Zone in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers with three points from four matches. The points have come from draws against Saudi Arabia, Australia, and Bahrain, while a close 1-2 defeat to China adds to its current tally.

Competition in the Group C is tight where Japan is leading the pack with 10 points, while the other three teams of Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain all lie with five points apiece. Indonesia and China are close on three points, though Indonesia enjoys a slight advantage in goal difference.

Indonesia's other third-round matches will be against Japan on November 15, Saudi Arabia on November 19, Australia on March 20, Bahrain on March 25, China on June 5, and against Japan again, this time on June 10. Of these, four crucial home games are against Japan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and China.

PSSI's Executive Committee member Arya Sinulingga said the squad under coach Shin Tae-yong must capitalize on these home games, with some matches clearly being very hard to achieve, especially against Japan and Saudi Arabia.

"The remaining six matches will be crucial, as four will be at home, while the two will be away, particularly against Japan and Australia. These four home matches are therefore very crucial and we need to get points," he told reporters. Japan remain top despite being held to a draw by Australia, while Saudi Arabia, with their returning coach Hervé Renard, were held to a draw by Indonesia on home ground.

There's also some uncertainty about the Bahrain match: the team has raised the possibility about playing at a neutral venue. The AFC hasn't decided yet.

You have the top two teams of each group automatically qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Teams placing third and fourth move into the fourth round, which determines the order of qualification for that same event. The bottom two eventually drop out of contention for the World Cup but not relegation, as every team qualified for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. What does Indonesia hope to achieve? To be in the top four - and stay in the World Cup dream!

Indonesia’s National Football Team Aims High for the 2026 World Cup

The Indonesian national football team, affectionately known as Garuda, has gained attention in recent times due to its determination in pushing through with the qualification rounds toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Its overwhelmingly enthusiastic supporter groups and rejuvenated spirit on the field have caught attention both at home and abroad. Indonesian fans are counted among the most dedicated in Southeast Asia, packing the stadiums with an electric atmosphere that energizes the team and pressures their foes. At the back of this sea of red and white is the Garuda Squad, fueled with determination to create a historical mark on the world stage.



One of the biggest highlights leading up to this campaign is the emergence of Indonesia's young talent, touted as key players who will elevate the standards of the national team. These include Marselino Ferdinan and Pratama Arhan, both of whom are on the rise in local and international games, therefore building excitement about the prospects of the team. These players represent a new generation of Indonesian football, and their prowess and dedication make the fans very hopeful of fulfilling the nation's dream of qualification in the World Cup. This young talent is complemented by such senior, naturalized players like Jordi Amat and Shayne Pattynama. Their inclusion brings some sort of experience and steadiness into the team, thus making it balanced and competitive.



It's much about direct results, and another game changer has been the influence of the head instructors, Shin Tae-yong. He is renowned for his tactical approach to the game, thus being widely successful in the past with the national team of South Korea. Shin introduced a disciplined and cohesive way of play that re_RGBAized the Garuda Squad as more solid and competitive. His methodology took them to a better mentality and a way in which they could approach each big-name opponent with resilience and tactical astuteness. Fans and analysts tout his leadership as the very pivot upon which the progress of the team during the qualification rounds has come to be.



Indonesia's journey to the World Cup has been massively supported, not only from fans within the country but also from Indonesians abroad. The Indonesian diaspora itself is so invested that on-site updates, debates, and just expressions of pride for the team have saturated each corner you can imagine on social media. Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube have become dynamic focuses of fan activity, as a sense of unity and enthusiasm reaches out to the players themselves.



With this knowledge of sure support both at home and worldwide, it has given the squad a boost psychologically as they work towards their goal of World Cup qualification. Already, as Indonesia embarks on this journey, it is clear that this campaign has become a beaming source of national pride. With the momentum of their fans, combined with talented young players and strong leadership, Garuda may well soar to newer heights. Qualifying for the World Cup would be an unreal dream come true-not just for the team, but for the millions of Indonesian supporters who believe in their dream.



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#kualifikasi piala dunia 2026
#indonesian league
#timnas indonesia
#arya sinulingga