JAKARTA - The FIFA ranking for the Indonesian national team has changed slightly after meeting with Iraq in the second round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification in the Asian zone. After losing 0-2 at home on Thursday, June 6, the position of the Indonesian national team fell to 135.
In the match which took place at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta, the Garuda Squad's efforts to pick up the full three points took place with a tense drama. Especially after Indonesia's mainstay defender, Jordi Amat got a red card and handball from Justin Hubner which resulted in a penalty for Iraq.
Indonesia started the match with high enthusiasm, relying on Rafael Struick in attack, supported by Marselino Ferdinand and Ragnar Oratmangoen. In the first half, the Indonesian national team threatened the Iraqi goal several times.
One golden opportunity occurred in the 11th minute when Marselino Ferdinand's cross from the right was almost greeted by Rafael Struick, but unfortunately did not produce a goal. In the second half, the game against Indonesia continued.
However, the disaster came in the 52nd minute when Justin Hubner did a handball in the penalty box. Aymen Hussien, who is believed to be the executor, managed to outwit goalkeeper Ernando Ari, put Iraq 1-0 up.
Seven minutes later, the situation worsened for Indonesia when Jordi Amat received a red card after violating Ali Jasim. Shortly after, Iraq was again awarded a penalty for Ernando Ari's foul, but this time Hussien failed to take advantage of the opportunity.
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Despite playing with 10 people, Indonesia almost equalized. Ernando Ari's long pass made Ragnar Oratmangoen face one on one with Iraqi goalkeeper Jalal Hassan, but unfortunately, Hassan thwarted his attempt.
Iraq confirmed their victory in the 87th minute after Ernando Ari made a blunder used by Ali Jasim to score a second goal. The score 2-0 lasted until the end of the match.
Based on the results of the match, Footy Ranking, quoted on Sunday, June 9, said that Indonesia's ranking, which is currently 134, will decline to 135 after losing against Iraq.
Luckily, the status of the national team position in the world rankings itself can still change. The reason is, FIFA will only release an update on the official list regarding the rankings on June 20, 2024.
That way, Indonesia still has the opportunity to maintain its initial ranking or even crawl up because there is an agenda that can be played on the 11th floor of June.
Facing the Philippines as the last opponent in the second round of Asian zone 2026 World Cup qualifiers, victory became a fixed price for Garuda's squad to maintain FIFA rankings as well as win tickets to advanced rounds.
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