The Indonesian National Team Is Targeted To Enter The Top 50 Of The World

PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir (INSTAGRAM ARCHIPEF @erickthohir)

PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir said that the Indonesian national team is targeted to be in the top 50 ranking in the world, now Indonesia is one century old in 2045.

Indonesia is currently chasing a ticket to the 2026 World Cup. Shin Tae Yong's team are already in the third round of Asian zone qualifyings and the chances of qualifying are open.

"We want to be in the top 50 of the world by 2045 because at that time our GDP per capita will be in the range of 27 thousand dollars to 30 thousand dollars. This is a big country. So, at that time the quality of football will increase," Erick said.

As of today, Indonesia is recorded to be ranked 127th in the world. Thus, there are still many things that football stakeholders need to do after this target.

Erick said that Indonesia has a great opportunity to appear in the 2026 World Cup later, especially there are nine slots available for countries in Asia.

"Indonesia should be in the top nine in Asia. With the total population and the spirit of football from all Indonesian people. However, of course it will take time," he said.

At this time, Indonesia is in third place in Group C standings, qualifying for the third round of the 2026 World Cup in the Asian zone. The place did not meet the requirements.

To be able to get a direct ticket from this round, Indonesia needs to finish in the top two places of the group. The opportunity is still wide open with four matches remaining.

If they do not qualify from the third round, Indonesia must pursue a third or fourth position in the final standings. That position will take Garuda to continue its struggle to the fourth round.