Indonesia Vs. Saudi Arabia: First Victory Mission In 2026 World Cup Qualification

The duel against Saudi Arabia will determine Rizky Ridho's langkah to the next round (photo: dock. between)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team will face Saudi Arabia in the continued match of Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday 19 November. This match is an opportunity for Indonesia to end the long wait for victory in the third round of qualifying, while Saudi Arabia is trying to break the trend of three matches without a win.

Currently, Indonesia is at the bottom of Group C with three points from five matches, while Saudi Arabia is in third place, level with Australia and China who both have six points.

Review of the Match In an effort to get tickets to the World Cup for the second time since appearing in 1938 as the Dutch East Indies, Indonesia experienced a tough challenge in Group C. The presence of a number of descendants such as Kevin Diks, Eliano Reijnders, and Mees Hilgers had increased the expectations of the Garuda squad to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

However, the results obtained by Indonesia in the first five matches were not satisfactory, with two defeats and three draws. Shin Tae-yong's squad drew in the first three matches of Group C, namely 1-1 against Saudi Arabia, 0-0 against Australia, and 2-2 against Bahrain. Unfortunately, Indonesia then suffered two consecutive defeats, 1-2 from China and 0-4 from Japan.

Now, Indonesia is determined to win its first victory against Saudi Arabia, which they have not managed to beat in the last four meetings (two defeats and two draws).

The Indonesian and Saudi Arabia national teams have met 15 times since their first meeting in 1983, in Jakarta in the 1984 Olympics Qualification. Of the total 15 matches, Indonesia has never won over Saudi Arabia. In detail, Indonesia suffered 11 defeats and 4 draws.

The last meeting between the two teams took place on September 5, 2024 in the 2026 World Cup qualifying round, where Indonesia was able to hold Saudi Arabia 1-1.

This time, Saudi Arabia came determined to return to the World Cup for the seventh time, having previously appeared in the event in 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, and 2022. Saudi Arabia started Group C with a 1-1 draw against Indonesia and a 2-1 win over China. However, they then failed to win in the next three matches.

Herve kali yang baru kembali menukangi tim usai menggantikan Roberto Mancini, terakhir kali mencatatkan hasil draw 0-0 melawan Australia.mengharap timnya bisa kembali ke jalur kemenangan saat bertemu Indonesia.

Meanwhile Kevin Diks, who made his debut in the 0-4 defeat to Japan, is likely absent due to injury. Sandy Walsh is expected to replace him in the back line. Jordi Amat, who was previously off the bench in the 76th minute, is likely to appear from the start.

On the Saudi side, Salem Al Dawsari is confirmed to be absent due to injury. The front line position is likely filled by Firas Al-Buraikan, Saleh Al-Shehri, and Marwan Alsahafi. Faisal Al-Ghamdi who was withdrawn due to injury in the 88th minute against Australia may be replaced by Sultan Al-Ghannam.

Indonesia's Lineup Forecast: Paes; Walsh, Ridho, Idzes, Amat, Verdok; Sayuri, Haye, Ferdinan, Struick; Oratmangoen. Saudi Arabia: Al-Kassar; Abdulhamid, Tambakti, Albulayhi, Al-Shahrani; Alsahafi, Juwayr, Al-Ghannam, Al-Buraikan; Al-Shehri