October 8, 2025 | 09:39 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto held a video call with the Indonesian national football team ahead of their fourth-round match against Saudi Arabia in the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers. During the call, Prabowo offered his prayers for the team’s success.
The call, facilitated through Indoensian Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir, took place on Wednesday evening, October 8, 2025. Erick later shared highlights of the conversation on his Instagram account.
"Thank you, everyone. I pray for your success. Give your best on the field and bring us good news tonight. Keep giving your all," Prabowo said during the video call.
Erick Thohir also conveyed additional messages from the president that were not recorded on video.
"President Prabowo Subianto sends his warm regards and full support to all players, coaches, and officials of the Indonesian national team ahead of their matches against Saudi Arabia and Iraq in Round 4 of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers," Erick wrote on Instagram.
"He encouraged the team to play with all their heart, carry the spirit of the Red and White, and give 110 percent to honor the nation," he added.
The Indonesian national team will face Saudi Arabia first in Group B at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 12:15 AM WIB (Western Indonesia Time). Their second match, against Iraq, is scheduled for Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 02:30 AM WIB.
A victory against Saudi Arabia is crucial for Indonesia to maintain a chance at direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
A win would significantly boost Patrick Kluivert’s squad’s prospects of advancing to the tournament, which will be held next year in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
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