Indonesian National Team Against Saudi Arabia And Iraq: Risk Of Self-esteem

JAKARTA - The manager of the Indonesian national team, Sumardji, welcomed the Indonesian national team's match in the Fourth Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification. Facing Saudi Arabia and Iraq, for Sumardji this match is a gamble on the nation's pride.

To ensure tickets to the 2026 World Cup finals, the Garuda Squad only needed maximum results against Saudi Arabia and Iraq. However, defeating the two teams is clearly not an easy thing.

Reflecting on the experience of the opponents to be faced, Sumardji hopes that the Indonesian national team players can reach the best level in the two matches. With their best performance, the Garuda Squad is sure to be able to reap positive results.

"Yes, we have to be aware of all that this is a really, really tough match. This is a gamble on the nation's pride."

"The coach also repeatedly said that to qualify, really have to have the best performance, the best mentality, all the best."

"We want that in October 2025, in those two matches, it must be able to qualify (to the 2026 World Cup," Sumardji said before leaving for Saudi Arabia on Thursday, October 2.

In the Fourth Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification, the Indonesian national team joined in Group B. Only Group B winners will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup.

Meanwhile, Group B runners-up will fight against Group A runners-up to compete for tickets to the inter-confederation playoffs.

Reflecting on these conditions, the best opportunity for the Indonesian national team to appear in the 2026 World Cup is to win Group B. If you become runner-up, the long way back must be taken.