Coach Patrick Kluivert has issued a powerful rallying cry to the Indonesian national football team, urging his players to remain composed and fearless as they prepare for a critical FIFA World Cup qualifier against hosts Saudi Arabia. The crucial encounter is scheduled for October 8 at 12:15 AM, taking place at the imposing King Abdullah Sports City stadium. Kluivert emphasized that succumbing to fear in such a high-stakes environment would only serve to embolden their formidable opponents.
Indonesia is on a historic quest, aiming to secure its first-ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup since gaining independence in 1949. The nation’s sole previous World Cup participation dates back to 1938, when France hosted the tournament, and Indonesia competed under the Dutch colonial administration as the Dutch East Indies. This current campaign represents a monumental opportunity for the Southeast Asian footballing nation.
Upcoming matches in the fourth qualifying round, Group B, are pivotal for Indonesia’s World Cup aspirations. Following their clash with Saudi Arabia, they will face Iraq on October 11. These two fixtures will ultimately determine the fate of Kluivert’s squad. Under the current qualification format for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, the top-ranked team in the group will automatically secure a coveted spot. The second-place team will advance to inter-continental play-offs, while the third-place team will be eliminated from contention.
Kluivert, the Dutch coach, has been steadfast in his message to the Indonesian players, stressing the importance of mental fortitude and unwavering determination, especially when facing a strong opponent on their home turf. He articulated his philosophy clearly in a pre-match press conference: “I am not afraid, because if you are afraid, you will undoubtedly show your weakness. If we show weakness, it will provide strength to our opponents.” This statement reflects the former Barcelona and Netherlands star striker’s conviction in his team’s capabilities.
This upcoming match marks the third encounter between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. In their two previous meetings during the third qualifying round, Indonesia managed one draw and suffered one defeat, highlighting the competitive nature of their rivalry. Under Kluivert’s guidance, Indonesia stands as the sole representative from Southeast Asia to reach this advanced stage of qualification, keeping alive their dream of a first World Cup finals appearance since 1938.
To achieve this ambitious goal of qualifying for the World Cup as an independent nation, Indonesia has invested substantially in its football program. This includes the notable strategy of naturalizing several Dutch-born players, a move designed to strengthen the squad significantly. Furthermore, Jordi Cruyff, the son of the legendary Dutch footballer Johan Cruyff, has been appointed as a technical advisor to the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), working closely alongside Kluivert to elevate the team’s performance. Much of this progress is attributed to the active involvement of PSSI President Erick Thohir, an Indonesian billionaire whose leadership has been instrumental in transforming Indonesia into a formidable force within Southeast Asian and, increasingly, Asian football.
In other developments within the Asian qualifiers’ fourth round, Group A, hosts Qatar are set to play Oman on the same day, October 8, before taking on the United Arab Emirates six days later. Meanwhile, several Asian nations have already secured their berths for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including Australia, Japan, Jordan, Iran, South Korea, and Uzbekistan.
