FIFA Admittedly, When Will Indonesia Enter The World Cup?

Illustration of the Indonesian National Team for the 2026 World Cup (doc. PSSI)

YOGYAKARTA Football fans must often ask when Indonesia will enter the world cup considering the achievements of the Indonesian national team (timnas) continue to grow. Apart from this, did you know that the Indonesian national football team had competed in the world?

As is known, the FIFA world trophy was first held in 1930 until now. During this time, Indonesia was once one of the countries whose national team competed for the title with other countries.

Historically, the Indonesian national team entered the world cup in 1938. However, at that time the name of Indonesia did not appear, but the Dutch East Indies. At that time, the most prestigious football match in the world was held in France.

Meanwhile, the Dutch East Indies became the first Asian country to participate in the World Cup, even recognized by FIFA as the highest football association as well as the organizer of the World Cup. This confession was conveyed by the association at the end of January 2018. On its official website, FIFA said that the Dutch East Indies (Dutch East Indies) national team competing in the 1938 World Cup was the national team from Indonesia.

"Which Asian team will first appear in the World Cup? The Dutch East Indies, known today as Indonesia, appeared in the 1938 edition in France," said FIFA's statement taken from the official website of the socialization.

When the 1938 World Cup was held, the Dutch East Indie East East Indies competed. Initially FIFA only provided two slot rations for the Asian national team to compete in the World Cup. Not only from the Dutch East Indies, the Japanese national team also at that time had the potential to qualify in the tournament. However, because Japan was involved in a war, Indonesia had to go to France.

At that time PSSI was led by Soeratin Sosrosugondo. He proposed a selection to determine who would become a player in the Dutch East Indies national team and was entitled to fly to France. Long story short, 17 people were finally selected, ranging from Indonesia, China, and Indo-Europe (Netherlands).

In the World Cup match, the Indonesian national team had to fight the Hungarian national team. Unfortunately, Indonesia had to be willing to swallow the election with a score of 6 for Hungary and 0 for Indonesia. Because they still use the knockout system, Indonesia finally had to go home with disappointment.

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the Indonesian national team has new hope under Shin Tae-yong's coaching. The reason is that currently Indonesia has successfully qualified for the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for the Asian Zone. Of course this is a new hope not only for the national team but for all Indonesian people.

To be able to advance to a prestigious event in the world, Indonesia must defeat several tough opponents. Even now, Shin Tae-yong is targeting the Indonesian national team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

That's information regarding when Indonesia will enter the world trophy. Visit VOI.id to get other interesting information.