October 4, 2025 | 10:54 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The coach of Indonesian national team, Patrick Kluivert, welcomes the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers for Group B with optimism. According to him, the Garuda players are ready to make the country proud.
Kluivert conveyed this through a video released on the official Youtube account of Indonesian national team on Friday. "Not only the Garuda fans, but the entire nation should stand behind us. We are doing our utmost best to perform at the highest level and to prepare the players as good as possible. Inshallah, we are ready to make the country proud of us," said the Dutch coach.
The Indonesian national team will play two matches in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, facing Saudi Arabia and Iraq in Jeddah. The Garuda will face Saudi Arabia in the early hours of Thursday, October 9, and meet Iraq on Sunday, October 12.
Kluivert said the players must perform at their best, including in set-piece execution. "We know we are representing a great country of football. So, roughly, we know what we want to do. But the execution is the most important thing. We have to be sharp in the set pieces, knowing what to do, and achieve good results," he said as quoted on kitagaruda.id.
Indonesian national team players only fully assembled on October 6 because several players still had obligations to their respective clubs.
Kluivert acknowledged that this was not ideal, but he promised to do his best. "Unfortunately, if I could change the date the players could arrive, of course I will be very happy, but there's nothing I can do. The most important thing about what I can do as [coach] is to prepare the players well for the game," he said.
Indonesian national team's preparation for the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers was slightly disrupted by the injury suffered by goalkeeper Emil Audero while playing for his club, Cremonese. To address this issue, Kluivert has called up Borneo FC's goalkeeper, Nadeo Argawinata, and Reza Arya Pratama from PSM.
Kluivert deeply regrets Emil's absence; however, he reminded that the goalkeepers he brought in also have good quality. "Reza is also doing a good job; he is our fourth goalkeeper. Why? Because the training we do is to keep Maarten and Nadeo a bit sharper. Because we want to have strength; it's a crucial position," he said.
Indonesia must come out on top of Group B standings for a direct ticket to the final rounds of the World Cup. But if they finish in second place, the Garuda team will play intercontinental playoff matches in the fifth round. If they only finish in last place, then Indonesia's involvement in the qualifiers will end.
Editor’s Choice: Indonesian National Team for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Schedule, Lineup, and More
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Mandatory Halal Certification for Food Stalls and Cosmetics in Indonesia Effective October 2026
13 jam lalu
Head of BPJPH Ahmad Haikal Hasan claims Indonesia has the best halal certification system in the world.
BPJPH, Nestle Indonesia Ink MoU to Strengthen Halal Certification
14 jam lalu
Head of BPJPH Ahmad Haikal Hasan says the agreement is part of Nestle Indonesia's efforts to strengthen its products in Indonesia.
Prabowo to Lead TNI's 80th Anniversary Ceremony in Jakarta
17 jam lalu
President Prabowo Subianto will lead the TNI's 80th anniversary ceremony at the National Monument in Jakarta on Sunday, October 5, 2025.
Indonesian National Team for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Schedule, Lineup, and More
22 jam lalu
The Indonesian national team will compete in Group B Qualifiers for the fourth round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They will face off against Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
5 Saudi Arabia Players Indonesia Must Watch in World Cup Qualifiers
22 jam lalu
Saudi Arabia advanced from the third round with 13 points, just one above Indonesia. Focus now turns to key players who could shape the next stage.
LPS Survey: Consumer Confidence Falls in September as Indonesians Worry About Economy
1 hari lalu
A recent survey by LPS shows a decline in consumer confidence regarding economic conditions, job opportunities, and household income.
Why 'Kopi Luwak' Comes with Such a High Price Tag
1 hari lalu
The high price of 'kopi luwak' coffee is mainly influenced by its traditional production methods.
Rizky Ridho Joins FIFPRO Global Player Council as Indonesia's Representative
1 hari lalu
Rizky Ridho, an Indonesian national team player, joins the world's football players, including Wataru Endo, on the FIFPRO Global Player Council.
Indonesia, Malaysia Strengthen Cooperation Against Protected Fish Smuggling
1 hari lalu
Indonesia and Malaysia are collaborating to combat the smuggling of protected fish. At a meeting in Jakarta, they agreed to form a joint working group
UN Month: People and the City Festival Promotes SDGs Through Indonesian Heritage
1 hari lalu
The Indonesia Hidden Heritage Creative Hub in tandem with the United Nations Information Center (UNIC) Jakarta launched Festival Cerita Kota today.
