Menpora Optimistic Indonesian National Team Rolls Saudi Arabia

JAKARTA - Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) of the Republic of Indonesia, Dito Ariotedjo, is optimistic that the Indonesian national team will be able to win when they meet Saudi Arabia.

Indonesia is scheduled to host Saudi Arabia in the sixth match of Group C of the Third Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification in the Asian Zone at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 19.00 WIB.

"Our prediction can win because I think yesterday was away with a lot of pressure and unfavorable conditions for us, but it could be a draw," said Dito.

The Indonesian and Arabic national teams previously met in the group's first match in early September 2024. At that time the match was finished with the same score 1-1.

After that, Indonesia got two draws and two defeats. The series of results made the Garuda Squad currently have to settle for sitting at the bottom of the standings with only three points.

Dito said that playing the home match this time should be utilized as well as possible by Indonesia, which has just lost to Japan.

"SUGBK will definitely be full of supporters of Indonesia and the athletes' euphoria is also peaking. Especially yesterday, they only met Japan even though they lost," he said.

To be able to immediately get tickets to appear in the 2026 World Cup from the Third Round, Indonesia must finish at least in the group runners-up position. Realistically the position is a bit difficult to catch.

If the position is not obtained, Indonesia hopes that Indonesia will not be extinguished. However, on condition that the third or fourth place must be secured in order to advance to the Fourth Round.

There, Indonesia must win the group to win one from two tickets along with six other countries.

If it still fails, Indonesia needs to be runners-up in order to play for the international playoffs.