Keisuke Honda: Japan Vs Indonesia Meeting Becomes An Experimental Event

JAKARTA - The Japanese National team legend, Keisuke Honda, said the Blue Samurai squad had to beat Indonesia in the closing match of Group C of the 2026 World Cup Qualification Third Round, when the two teams met at Suita Stadium, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, afternoon WIB.

Honda expressed that hope because Japan had just been beaten 0-1 by Australia at the Optus Stadium, Perth. It was Japan's first defeat in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, having previously been unbeaten in 14 matches since the Second Round.

"Japan lost against Australia. So, in my opinion, they have to win," Honda said in Jakarta, Sunday, June 8, 2025, as reported by Antara.

In the match against Australia, the Blue Samurai did not field their best squad, including the captain Wataru Endo, after they had already made sure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in March 2025.

Apart from Endo, coach Hajime Moriyasu also did not play the Zion Suzuki goalkeeper and preferred Kosei Tani. Not only that, they also backed Takefusa Kubo, before including the Real Socied player in the second half.

"So, I think the best players will most likely play as a starting player against Indonesia," said Honda.

Despite winning Japan to win, Honda admits it is not important that whoever wins in the match will be because it is no longer decisive for both teams.

According to him, the match could be an opportunity for both countries to experiment, by trying a new formation or lowering their squads who did not get the opportunity.

"However, in my opinion, this match is not very important, more for the trial. So, I hope they will play well," said the former AC Milan player.

Indonesia and Japan have met twice since 2024. In those two meetings, Indonesia lost twice, with a score of 1-3 in the 2023 Asian Cup and with a score of 0-4 at the first meeting in Group C of the Third Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification.