Indonesian national Team advances in World Cup Qualification Despite Japan Loss

Jakarta – The Indonesian national team is setting its sights on the future after securing a place in the fourth round of world Cup Qualification 2026. This comes despite a 6-0 defeat at the hands of the Japanese national team on June 10, 2025. Midfielder Thom Haye emphasized the importance of focusing on upcoming matches after the mixed results in June.

Indonesia’s June Matches: A Tale of Two Halves

June proved to be a pivotal month for Indonesia’s World cup Qualification campaign. The team faced both China and Japan, with contrasting outcomes. On June 5, 2025, Indonesia triumphed over China with a 1-0 victory at the Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta. Ole Romeny secured the win with a goal from the penalty spot.

This victory ensured Indonesia’s qualification for the fourth round, making the subsequent match against Japan a formality. At the time, Indonesia had amassed 12 points, an insurmountable lead over Bahrain. However, the match against Japan revealed the gap in quality between the two teams.

Did You Know? Indonesia’s national football team is known as “Garuda,” after the mythical bird that is the national symbol of Indonesia.

Japan vs. Indonesia: A Disparity in quality

In the match held at Suita City Stadium in Osaka, Japan, on June 10, 2025, Indonesian coach Patrick Kluivert deployed a different lineup compared to the match against China. The result was a decisive 6-0 victory for Japan. The defeat highlighted the significant differences in skill and experience between the two sides.

Thom Haye reflected on the defeat, acknowledging the disparity in quality. “Yes, it’s a little strange of course. All focus on the match against China and the results are very good. Then we know that we qualify for the fourth round no problem in third or fourth position in the group,” haye stated on Podcast The Haye Way.

Pro Tip: Analyzing match statistics, such as possession, shots on goal, and passing accuracy, can provide valuable insights into team performance and areas for enhancement.

haye’s Viewpoint on the Season’s End

Haye also commented on the unusual timing of the match against Japan, occurring after the end of the regular season. “From the side we are not good enough to end like that. but,it’s also rather strange. Because you play the game after the last season, throughout the season you have played, practice. And usually you say goodbye to the club, you say goodbye to everyone,” Haye added.

Despite the heavy loss, Haye emphasized the positive outcome of qualifying for the next round. “Now you finish the match and promptly after that, all players go to their respective destinations. So we are strange to end such a season. Of course, this is still a good result for us to qualify for the next round. So yes okay,” he concluded.

World Cup Qualification 2026: Key Stats

What are your predictions for Indonesia’s performance in the next round of World Cup Qualification? how can the team improve its performance against top-tier opponents?

Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!