Dutch Foreign Minister apologizes Following Indonesia‘s World Cup Qualifying Loss to Saudi Arabia
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot issued an apology Thursday following the Indonesian national team’s 2-3 defeat to Saudi Arabia in the 2026 World Cup qualification Asia Zone, a result widely attributed to the perceived failure of national team advisor Patrick Kluivert to secure a victory. The apology, delivered via a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, acknowledged the disappointment felt by Indonesian supporters and the impact of the loss on the nation’s World Cup aspirations.
The unexpected apology stems from a pre-match commitment by Kluivert, a Dutch football legend appointed as an advisor to the Indonesian national team, to deliver a win against Saudi Arabia. While not a formal diplomatic pledge, Kluivert’s confident pronouncements were widely reported in Indonesian media and fueled high expectations among fans. Indonesia remains in contention for World cup qualification, but the loss places meaningful pressure on their upcoming crucial match against Iraq.
The match, played at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah on October 9, 2025, saw Saudi Arabia secure goals from Saleh Abu Al Shamat (17′) and Feras Albrikan (36′ penalty, 62′). Indonesia responded with two penalty goals from Kevin Diks (11′, 88′). A late red card was issued to Saudi Arabian player Mohamed Kanno in the 90+3 minute.
Despite the loss, the Indonesian national team’s opportunity to qualify for the 2026 World Cup remains open. The team currently sits at the bottom of Group B with 0 points, while Saudi Arabia leads with three.The upcoming match against Iraq will be pivotal for Indonesia’s chances of advancing.