PSSI Chairman: We Respect The Opponents In Group F, But The Indonesian National Team Is Ready To Fight

The Indonesian national team qualified for the second round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification in the Asian zone. (Photo: Doc. PSSI)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team managed to advance to the second round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification after crushing Brunei Darussalam. The Garuda squad won aggregate 12-0 over Brunei in the first round.

In the second round, the Indonesian national team entered Group F. Rizky Ridho and his friends will compete with Iraq, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

PSSI chairman Erick Thohir said the opponent in Group F was a tough team. However, he believes the Indonesian national team will not be afraid.

He emphasized that Shin Tae-yong's troops would go all out to be able to penetrate the final round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification in the Asian zone.

"We respect the opponents who are waiting in Group F. However, Indonesia is ready to fight against Iraq, Vietnam and the Philippines for a ticket to the final round of the qualification," Erick said on the official PSSI website.

Erick is optimistic that Indonesia has the quality and capacity to compete for tickets to the final qualifying round.

"Indonesia respects every opponent that will be faced. But we also believe that Indonesia's quality is ready to fight with any opponent," Erick emphasized.

In the second round, Indonesia must finish as the top two to qualify for the third round. As is known, the 2026 World Cup which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will be followed by 48 teams.