The Indonesian national team suffered a 2–3 defeat to Saudi Arabia in the opening Group B match of the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
The match took place at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah on Wednesday evening local time (Thursday, 9 October 2025 WIB).
Saudi Arabia’s goals came from Saleh Abu Al Shamat (17’) and Feras Albrikan (36’ pen, 62’). Indonesia replied through two penalty goals by Kevin Diks (11’, 88’). Referee Ahmad Al Ali from Kuwait issued a red card to Saudi Arabia’s Mohamed Kanno in stoppage time (90+3’).
The result places Indonesia at the bottom of Group B with no points, while Saudi Arabia leads the group with three. Indonesia’s next match will be against Iraq on Sunday, 12 October 2025, while Saudi Arabia will face Iraq three days later.
Indonesia showed strong resistance in the early stages, taking the lead through Diks’s penalty after a handball in the box. However, Saudi Arabia quickly turned the game around before sealing victory in the second half.
Despite the loss, Indonesia’s head coach Patrick Kluivert remained optimistic. “I have no complaints about the referee [Ahmad Al Ali]. I think he did an extraordinary job,” he said after the match.
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Qualification Scenarios Still Open for Indonesia
Although the defeat was a setback, Indonesia’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup are not over. Two key scenarios could still allow Garuda Muda to progress from Group B.
The first requirement is to defeat Iraq by at least two goals in their final match. A two-goal margin would improve Indonesia’s goal difference, keeping them in contention with the other teams in the group.
The second scenario depends on other results. Iraq must defeat Saudi Arabia by exactly one goal. If that occurs, all three teams would finish level on three points. Group rankings would then be determined by goal difference and the total number of goals scored.
Only the group winners in this round qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup. The runners-up advance to the fifth qualifying round, where they will compete for a place in the intercontinental play-offs.
Kluivert urged his players to remain focused. “It’s important to recover quickly and prepare well for the next match. We’ve shown that we can compete, and we must keep fighting until the end,” he said.
The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) also called for continued support from fans, noting that the team’s qualification journey was still alive.
Kuwaiti Referee Wins Praise for Fair Officiating
Before the match, the PSSI and Indonesian supporters had voiced concerns about the appointment of Kuwaiti referee Ahmad Al Ali, fearing potential bias. However, those worries proved unfounded.
Al Ali, who has been an international referee since 2006, maintained firm control throughout the game.
He also expelled a Saudi team official for misconduct during stoppage time. His handling of the match drew praise from both sides, including from Indonesia’s coach.
“I have no complaints about the referee,” said Kluivert. “He did an extraordinary job and managed the game well under pressure.”
Indonesia’s focus now turns to the next fixture against Iraq, where victory remains essential to keeping their 2026 World Cup dream alive.
