Indonesia Senses World Cup Opportunity as Asian Qualifiers Approach Final Stage

Asia's World Cup qualifying campaign approaches its final stage this week, with Indonesia, led by Patrick Kluivert, among six nations competing for two remaining regional berths.

This nation of nearly 300 million people, deeply passionate about football, stands on the brink of its first World Cup appearance since achieving independence from the Netherlands in 1945.

Indonesian football officials turned to Dutch expertise, appointing former Netherlands and Barcelona star Patrick Kluivert as head coach in January.

The national team has also granted citizenship to over a dozen players born in the Netherlands who maintain family connections to this Southeast Asian nation.

This push follows a tragic event three years ago when Indonesian football was plunged into mourning after 135 spectators lost their lives in a stadium crush during a domestic match.

Kluivert, the former Netherlands and Barcelona legend whose squad will play Iraq and Saudi Arabia in Group B, urged, The entire nation must unite behind us.

Two groups remain in this Asian qualifying phase, each featuring three teams competing in single round robin fixtures.

Winners of each group will secure their place at next year's tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The 2026 World Cup has expanded from 32 to 48 teams, offering nations like Indonesia improved qualification prospects.

We are working to the best of our ability to prepare the players thoroughly, stated Kluivert.

Inshallah we will make the country proud of our efforts.

Indonesia faces an uphill challenge as Saudi Arabia will host all Group B matches, ensuring home advantage for the hosts.

Their opening fixture sees Indonesia facing Saudi Arabia in Jeddah this Wednesday.

Kluivert, whose managerial record has not matched his stellar playing career, has recorded three wins, two losses and one draw from six matches.

Saudi Arabia remain strong contenders under French coach Herve Renard, appointed after Roberto Mancini's departure a year ago.

Renard previously masterminded Saudi Arabia's stunning 2-1 victory over Lionel Messi's Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Group A features Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, all seeking their first World Cup finals appearance.

All Group A matches will be held in Qatar, granting the current Asian champions a clear home advantage.

Qatar appointed Julen Lopetegui, former Spain and Real Madrid manager, in May following his dismissal by West Ham United.

Qatar will begin their Group A campaign in Doha against Oman.

The second placed teams from both groups will contest a two legged playoff in November, with the victor advancing to an intercontinental qualifier.

Six Asian teams have already secured their spots Japan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Iran, Jordan and Australia.