Shin Tae-yong Optimistic That The Indonesian National Team Can Reach The Top 4 Of The 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team coach, Shin Tae-yong, is optimistic about the target of finishing in the top four of Group C of the 2026 World Cup Qualification Third Round.

He said he agreed with the target given by the Chairman of PSSI, Erick Thohir.

"I also think the same for it (the big four). Likewise, his position thinks the same way because previously he also often spoke with Mr. Erick about this issue. The conversation is deep," said Shin Tae-yong in a statement quoted on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

The Indonesian national team is currently struggling to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. In order to maintain that hope, the Garuda Squad must at least finish in the last four of Group C.

Later the top two teams in the group phase of the Third Round of the 2026 Asian Zone World Cup Qualification will automatically win tickets to the 2026 World Cup finals.

While teams in third and fourth place still have the opportunity to fight through the Fourth Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in the Asian Zone.

Finishing in positions three and four is a realistic target for the Indonesian national team. Given the remaining six matches, the Garuda Squad is currently still in fifth position with a collection of three points, just like China in last place.

However, the Indonesian national team is two points adrift of Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain who are in second to fourth place. This situation opens up opportunities for the Indonesian national team to move up the rankings.

However, the Indonesian national team had to go through a steep road. The reason is, the Garuda squad is scheduled to host Japan on November 15 and Saudi Arabia on November 19, 2024 at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Senayan, Jakarta.