The Indonesian U-17 national team’s journey in the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup has come to an early end. Following a challenging group stage campaign, the squad led by head coach Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto failed to advance to the quarterfinals, marking a disappointing conclusion to their tournament run.
The elimination was sealed after a 1-3 defeat to Japan on Tuesday (May 12, 2026) at the King Abdullah Sports City Field A in Saudi Arabia. This result marked the second consecutive loss for the young Garuda squad, who had previously suffered a 0-2 defeat at the hands of Qatar.
U-17 Asian Cup: Indonesia Eliminated After Defeat to Japan, Misses Out on World Cup Spot
Indonesia’s campaign began with a glimmer of hope as Putu Ekayana and his teammates secured a promising 1-0 victory against China in their opening match. Unfortunately, the team struggled to maintain that momentum, failing to find consistency in their subsequent two fixtures.
This performance draws parallels to the team’s struggles during the 2026 AFF U-17 Championship. During that tournament in Gresik, the Garuda Muda started strong with a convincing 4-0 win over Timor Leste, only to falter later in the group stage after a 0-1 loss to Malaysia and a goalless 0-0 draw against Vietnam.
For the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup, the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) opted to integrate three diaspora players into the squad: Matthew Baker, Mike Rajasa Hoppenbrouwers, and Noha Oliver Potar Pohan Simangunsong. U-17 Asian Cup: Watch the Indonesia vs. Japan Streaming Highlights Here
Despite the addition of these talented players, the team was unable to significantly elevate its overall performance on the pitch. This early exit not only halts Indonesia’s progress in the Asian Cup but also confirms that they have missed the opportunity to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, as a spot in the final eight was required to secure a ticket to the global event. Notably, Indonesia had previously participated in the 2023 and 2025 editions of the U-17 World Cup.
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The focus now shifts to the evaluation process by the PSSI. It remains to be seen how the federation will address these recurring issues, especially as head coach Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto, famously known as Si Kurus, has yet to find the right tactical formula to unlock the full potential of the Garuda Muda across recent tournaments.
Summary
The Indonesian U-17 national team, led by coach Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto, has been eliminated from the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup after finishing at the group stage. Despite an initial 1-0 victory against China, the team suffered consecutive defeats to Qatar and Japan, ultimately ending their hopes of progressing in the tournament. This early exit also confirmed that Indonesia will miss the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup, as qualifying for the quarterfinals was a prerequisite for entry.
The team’s performance mirrored recent struggles from the 2026 AFF U-17 Championship, suggesting a lack of consistency despite the inclusion of three diaspora players. The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) is now expected to evaluate the squad and coaching staff to address recurring tactical issues. Coach Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto currently faces pressure to develop a more effective strategy for the Garuda Muda in future international competitions.