Indonesia will play Saudi Arabia in their crucial fourth-round away match. This match is one of the first rounds of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifiers for the FIFA 2026 World Cup. The matchup will take place on Wednesday, October 8, at 8:15 PM local time (17:15 GMT) at the Alinma Bank Stadium located in King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It’s a huge opportunity for Indonesia as they host these games. The country is hell-bent on making the World Cup for the first time since breaking away from the Dutch in 1949.
The Indonesian team arrives at this stage following a narrow victory over China, winning 1-0 in their penultimate third-round match. This important victory ensured their advancement to the fourth round. They had narrowly placed fourth in Group C during the first set of qualifiers. From that group, Japan and Australia won the two automatic qualifying slots, but Saudi Arabia had to settle for third place.
Team Dynamics and Key Players
As Indonesia look ahead to the final, they too will need to overcome many pressing issues, none more so than injuries to some of their key players. First-choice goalkeeper Emil Audero and promising striker Marselino Ferdinan are both unavailable for selection in this one. Both players found the net in Indonesia’s stunning 2-0 home win over Saudi Arabia last November, but are now out of contention. Further, forward Ole Romeny is questionable for the match.
Saudi Arabia’s attacking force on their day will be a potent weapon. They’re captained by none other than 25 goal national team top scorer Salem Al-Dawsari. The Saudi side will be very keen to make the most of their home advantage. They’ll be looking to make amends after their woeful 2-1 loss to Australia, a result that destroyed their hopes of an automatic place.
“We know the power and the strength of Saudi Arabia, especially when they play at home, but we need to be focused.” – Patrick Kluivert
Coaches’ Perspectives
Patrick Kluivert, head coach of the Indonesian side, showered his players with overconfidence. He’s confident they’re as ready as can be heading into this decisive game. Acknowledging how far the team has come since January, he said the team’s progress is still headed in the right direction.
“I think we have made very good improvements since January, and we continue on our way.” – Patrick Kluivert
Kluivert didn’t shy away from the mental side of the game either, giving tips on how to keep your cool when the heat’s on. He made it clear that we can’t appear weak when we’re up against mega-opponents like Saudi Arabia.
“I’m not afraid because if you’re afraid, you show your weakness. If we show weaknesses, that gives the opponent strength.” – Patrick Kluivert
Qualification Stakes
The stakes are high in this qualifying round as six teams vie for a chance to reach the FIFA 2026 World Cup. These teams have been split into two pools of three, both pools playing a round robin against the other teams in the pool. Only the best-of-the-best from the inaugural Nations League—one per group—will qualify directly for the tournament next summer. Those that finish second will at least get to a two-legged playoff, with the winners of those playoffs advancing to the intercontinental playoffs after that.
With each team looking for a statement win, this contest should be one heck of a fun game. As they prepare to face one another on October 8, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia know what’s at stake. Each point counts in their quest for World Cup qualification.
“Who will rise and keep their hopes alive?” – #AsianQualifiers (@afcasiancup)
