Defeated By Australia, Prabowo Believes The Indonesian National Team Is Better In The Future

JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto is optimistic that the Indonesian Football National Team (Timnas) will show better performance in the future.

This statement from the President responded that the Indonesian national team lost badly to the host Australia with a score of 1-5 in the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification match at Sydney Stadium, Sydney, Australia, Thursday, March 20.

"Maybe we are still concerned that our national football team has not succeeded. However, we are sure that it will be better in the future," Prabowo said in an introductory speech to the Plenary Cabinet Session at the Indonesian Presidential Palace complex, Jakarta, Friday, March 21, which was confiscated by Antara.

The President reminded that currently the national team is in the process of revamping the presence of a new team, new coaches, and a new tactical strategy.

With these changes, Prabowo believes that the Indonesian national team will be able to achieve better achievements.

Furthermore, the President emphasized the importance of football as a reflection of the determination and spirit of the Indonesian people.

According to the Head of State, football is not just a sport, but also a symbol that shows that Indonesia should not be underestimated by any nation in the world.

"Indonesia should not be underestimated by any nation in the world, including in things like sports," said the President.

The Indonesian national team lost 1-5 to host Australia in the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers continued matches.

This defeat made Patrick Kluivert's team stuck in fourth place in Group C with a collection of six points from seven matches.

Meanwhile, Japan, who is at the top of the standings with 19 points, ensures that one ticket automatically qualifys for the 2026 World Cup.

Now there is only one automatic ticket left and contested by Australia, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Bahrain, and China, which are still both likely to accompany Japan.

Furthermore, the Garuda team will host Bahrain at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, Tuesday, March 25.