JAKARTA - PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir has high hopes for the Indonesian national team after qualifying for the third round of the 2026 Asian Zone World Cup Qualification. He hopes that the Garuda Squad can advance to the 2026 World Cup.
This hope was expressed by Erick Thohir after the Indonesian national team confirmed victory in the match against the Philippines, Tuesday, June 11, 2024. In the final round of the second round of qualifiers, Shin Tae-yong's team won 2-0 over The Azkals.
The victory was created through goals from Thom Haye (32') and Rizky Ridho (56') which led the Garuda Squad to end the second-placed group phase, behind Iraq.
The Indonesian national team now has the opportunity to qualify for the 2026 World Cup through the third round of qualifying.
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"Yesterday we were not happy, but one step away (The U-23 Indonesian National Team) to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Yes, hopefully we (Indonesian National Team) will also be given the opportunity to go to the 2026 World Cup," said Erick Thohir after watching the match.
Regarding the opponent in the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification, Erick Thohir ensured that Indonesia could not choose. One thing is certain, the chairman of PSSI will try to formulate a strategy that must be carried out after the draw.
The draw for the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification will take place in Kuala Lumpur on 27 June 2024. The Garuda team will inhabit Pot 6 with North Korea and Kuwait.
"Yes, we cannot choose depending on the division of the group. After that we calculate what position, strength and shortcomings we are. We have to patch it immediately," he said.
The Indonesian national team qualified for the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers after occupying the runners-up position in Group F in the second round with 10 points. Group winners are secured by Iraq who have always won in six matches.
This result also makes Indonesia the only representative of Southeast Asia (ASEAN) able to advance to the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification.
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