Indonesia’s 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Complete Match Schedule

As the excitement builds and the anticipation reaches fever pitch, the Indonesian national football team is gearing up for their campaign in the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in the Asian Zone. Led by the indomitable Asnawi Mangkualam, Indonesia’s journey kicks off on Thursday, September 5, 2024, with a challenging away match against Saudi Arabia.

In a group brimming with talent and potential pitfalls, Indonesia finds itself in Group C, alongside formidable opponents. The first home game for the Garuda squad is set for Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at the iconic Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium in Surabaya. Here, they will face off against Australia, a team from Pot 2 that promises a thrilling encounter.

September is only the beginning. October 2024 presents a rigorous test for Shin Tae-yong’s squad, with back-to-back away games against Bahrain and China. These matches, against teams from Pot 4 and Pot 5, respectively, are crucial. Despite being lower-ranked, the geographical distance and home support for the opposition make these fixtures anything but straightforward.

The physical and mental toll of consecutive away games is significant. Traveling across Asia, from the western reaches to the eastern extremities, the team will need to muster all their strength and strategy to secure valuable points. The stakes are high, but so is the determination within the squad.

November 2024 brings a welcome respite with two consecutive home games. However, the opponents are nothing short of daunting. First up is Japan, a powerhouse in Asian football, followed by a rematch with Saudi Arabia. These matches will be crucial in determining Indonesia’s standing in the group and their potential progression.

After the November fixtures, there is a long break until March 2025. This period will be vital for recovery and strategizing. March sees Indonesia again taking to the field, with both an away and a home game. This phase of the qualifiers could very well define their campaign.

The final stretch of the qualifiers comes in June 2025. Indonesia will conclude their journey with a high-stakes away match against Japan on June 10, 2025. By this point, every point will be crucial, and the pressure will be immense.

To secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup, Indonesia must aim to finish in the top two of their group. This guarantees automatic qualification. A third or fourth-place finish, however, would see them enter the fourth round, adding more hurdles to their path to glory. Falling to fifth or sixth would end their World Cup dream.

From the first whistle to the last, the Garuda squad must capitalize on home advantage, aiming for maximum points in every match. Their performance in these qualifiers will not only determine their fate for the 2026 World Cup but also inspire a nation that lives and breathes football.

Here’s a detailed look at Indonesia’s schedule in the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers:

  • Thursday, September 5, 2024: Saudi Arabia vs Indonesia
  • Tuesday, September 10, 2024: Indonesia vs Australia
  • Thursday, October 10, 2024: Bahrain vs Indonesia
  • Tuesday, October 15, 2024: China vs Indonesia
  • Thursday, November 14, 2024: Indonesia vs Japan
  • Tuesday, November 19, 2024: Indonesia vs Saudi Arabia
  • Thursday, March 20, 2025: Australia vs Indonesia
  • Tuesday, March 25, 2025: Indonesia vs Bahrain
  • Thursday, June 5, 2025: Indonesia vs China
  • Tuesday, June 10, 2025: Japan vs Indonesia

The journey is long, the challenges are immense, but the spirit of the Garuda is indomitable. Let the games begin, and may Indonesia soar to new heights on the road to the 2026 World Cup.

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