Indonesia are ranked 130th in the FIFA Ranking (as of 24 October 2024), the lowest of the six teams in Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 26™, but they have performed well so far with three draws and one defeat from their four matches, and currently sit in fifth place. The team opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw away to Saudi Arabia before drawing 0-0 at home to Australia, taking points from the AFC powerhouses who have competed in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.

The reason for this accelerated growth is that a number of players with Indonesian roots, born and raised in the former colonial power, the Netherlands, have acquired Indonesian citizenship and now represent the national team. In the October match against China PR, which they lost 1-2, nine of the eleven players in the starting line-up were from the Netherlands, all of whom made their debut for the Indonesia National Team in 2023 or later. Many of them have also represented the Netherlands at the youth level.

On 2 November, the Football Association of Indonesia announced the 27 players who will face Japan and Saudi Arabia on 15 and 19 November respectively. In attack, Ragnar ORATMANGOEN is a player to watch out for as he uses his high level of technical ability to score goals. Ivar JENNER is a midfielder who can create attacking opportunities with his dribbling skills. Nathan TJOE-A-ON is a lefty who can create chances from set pieces. Goalkeeper Maarten PAES made his international debut against Saudi Arabia in September and helped his side earn a point by saving a penalty from Saudi ace Salem ALDAWSARI. The team will be led by Korean coach SHIN Tae-yong, who guided Korea Republic to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, where they beat Germany in the group stage.

It is not widely known that Indonesia was the first Asian country to participate in the World Cup. This is because they appeared on the global stage as the Dutch East Indies before gaining independence. The Dutch East Indies made an appearance at the 1934 FIFA World Cup™. Japan was scheduled to compete against them in the qualifying rounds but ultimately withdrew from the tournament due to deteriorating social conditions. The Dutch East Indies were eliminated from the tournament after suffering a 0-6 defeat to Hungary in the opening round. This was 60 years before Japan made its inaugural appearance at the World Cup.

Most recently, Indonesia faced SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) in the group stage of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 in January this year. They lost 1-3 after conceding a brace to UEDA Ayase and an own goal. Nevertheless, they reached the round of 16 for the first time in their history at a tournament they had qualified for for the first time in 17 years. “They have a strong roster of talented players and coach SHIN Tae-yong has built a tactically sound team,” said coach MORIYASU Hajime, when asked about his next opponent. With a number of new players making their debut since the two sides last met, it is evident that Indonesia has become a more formidable opponent since then.

Results of last 5 matches
(H: Home, A: Away, N: Neutral ground, ○: Win, △: Draw, ●: Loss)

Record against Japan

6 wins 2 draws 11 losses (26 goals, 42 against)

Results at the FIFA World Cup™

Appearances: 1

1930　Did not participate
1934　Did not participate
1938　1st round
1950　Did not participate
1954　Did not participate
1958　Withdrew
1962　Did not participate
1966　Did not participate
1970　Did not participate
1974　Eliminated in the qualifier
1978　Eliminated in the qualifier
1982　Eliminated in the qualifier
1986　Eliminated in the qualifier
1990　Eliminated in the qualifier
1994　Eliminated in the qualifier
1998　Eliminated in the qualifier
2002　Eliminated in the qualifier
2006　Eliminated in the qualifier
2010　Eliminated in the qualifier
2014　Eliminated in the qualifier
2018　Suspended
2022　Eliminated in the qualifier

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