Indonesia’s National Team is gearing up for a pivotal final Group B fixture in the fourth round of the AFC Zone 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. They are set to face Iraq at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium in Jeddah on Sunday, October 12, with kickoff scheduled for 02:30 AM WIB.
This high-stakes encounter follows a disappointing 2-3 defeat for the Indonesian squad against Saudi Arabia on Thursday, October 9, at the same venue. That loss has left Indonesia languishing at the bottom of Group B, making their path to qualification incredibly narrow. Their sole chance to advance now hinges on securing a victory against Iraq.
Despite the daunting challenge ahead, Indonesia National Team captain Jay Idzes has publicly affirmed that his team’s pursuit of a 2026 World Cup berth is far from over, even if the dream now appears more elusive. His unwavering resolve echoes through the squad as they prepare for this decisive match.
Indonesia National Team’s Challenging Mentality Ahead of Iraq Match
“It’s not over yet. Tomorrow we, the Indonesia National Team squad, will go again, together as one. We are believers, we are Indonesia,” declared the Sassuolo player on his Instagram account on Saturday, October 11. Idzes himself delivered a commendable performance in the clash against Saudi Arabia, marking his 15th appearance for the national side. A consistent starter, he has never been substituted in any of his matches for Indonesia, showcasing his indispensable role as a leader from the back.
In the match against Saudi Arabia, the 25-year-old center-back formed a robust partnership with Kevin Diks. Sofascore’s statistics highlight Idzes’s defensive prowess during his time on the field: he executed seven clearances, blocked two shots, made one tackle, won one ground duel, and dominated with five aerial duel victories. Beyond his defensive duties, Idzes also contributed significantly to ball distribution, recording 59 touches and completing 46 passes with an impressive 83 percent accuracy. He also made one key pass, completed three successful long balls, registered one shot on target, though he did miss one big chance.
Indonesia National Team vs. Iraq: Patrick Kluivert Tight-Lipped About Strategy
Sharing a similar sentiment of defiance and determination is Marc Klok, who, like Idzes, started and played the full 90 minutes against Saudi Arabia. Klok’s return to the national team, after a significant hiatus, saw him make his second appearance under the coaching tenure of Patrick Kluivert during the Saudi encounter.
Jay Idzes’s Voice Amidst the Indonesian National Team’s Defeat to Saudi Arabia
This particular match marked the Persib Bandung captain’s 21st cap for the ‘Garuda’ squad since his debut against Bangladesh in June 2022. “The result of the last match wasn’t as hoped, but the struggle isn’t over,” Klok posted on his Instagram account on Saturday. He further emphasized the team’s enduring spirit, adding, “We, the Indonesia National Team, will keep fighting for tomorrow. We move forward together with our heads held high.” (antara/jpnn)
Summary
Indonesia’s National Team is set to play a pivotal 2026 World Cup Qualifier against Iraq on October 12, following a 2-3 defeat to Saudi Arabia which placed them at the bottom of Group B. Their sole chance to advance in the qualifiers now depends on securing a victory against Iraq. Despite the challenging situation, team captain Jay Idzes has publicly affirmed the squad’s unwavering determination, stating that their pursuit of qualification is far from over.
Idzes, who delivered a commendable defensive performance against Saudi Arabia, stressed the team’s collective spirit, declaring, “It’s not over yet. Tomorrow we, the Indonesia National Team squad, will go again, together as one.” Midfielder Marc Klok echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the team will “keep fighting for tomorrow” with their heads held high. These statements highlight the squad’s resilient mentality as they prepare for the decisive fixture.