Hajime Moriyasu: Heavy Challenges To Face Indonesia In The Away Match

Japanese coach, Hajime Moriyasu, does not take Indonesia lightly (photo: x @Moriyasu Hajime)

JAKARTA - Japan has a great opportunity to strengthen its steps towards the 2026 World Cup if it manages to overcome the away test against Indonesia and China in the next five days.

Japan's Hajime Moriyasu recalled Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi for the first time in a year ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Ayase Ueda's absence from injury led Moriyasu to recall Kyogo Furuhashi.

Around 78,000 spectators are expected to fulfill the Bung Karno Gelora Stadium in Jakarta to watch Indonesia face Japan on Friday 15 November in SUGBK, Jakarta. Japan will face another big challenge when traveling to Xiamen to fight China on Tuesday.

"If you look at the FIFA rankings and results in qualifying so far, many think Japan has an advantage," Moriyasu said, quoted by VOI from Japantimes. "However, playing away in these two matches will be a tough challenge."

Currently, Japan is at the top of Group C, five points ahead. The top two teams from each group will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup. Meanwhile, China and Indonesia, which are at the bottom of Group C, still have a chance to qualify for the next qualifying stage if they are able to finish in third or fourth place.

Meanwhile, Australia will face Saudi Arabia in Melbourne with both teams having five points from four matches. Socceroos will then face Bahrain, while Saudi Arabia will travel to Indonesia.

Herve Totaling, a French coach who previously succeeded in bringing Saudi Arabia to defeat Argentina at the 2022 World Cup Qatar, will lead the team again after returning to his position as coach. Renard, now 56 years old, returned to coach Saudi Arabia after Roberto Mancini's sacking last month.

On the other hand, South Korea, led by captain Son Heung-min, also hopes to strengthen its chances of going to the World Cup in the match against Palestine in Jordan next week.

South Korea is also on track to the 2026 World Cup, three points ahead at the top of Group B, and will welcome Son Heung-min's return who was absent due to a hamstring injury.

South Korean coach Hong Myung-bo hinted that Son may be limited in playing time against Kuwait and Palestine. "People say the next opponent is a weaker team, but I'm sure this match will be very tough," Hong said.

Iran currently leads Group A by goal difference, ahead over Uzbekistan, and will meet North Korea in the Laos capital, Vientiane. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will travel to Qatar, which is in fourth place after a slow start in qualifying, while the United Arab Emirates will face Kirgizstan.