Indonesia Eyes Upset as Predicted Lineup Revealed for Crucial World Cup Qualifier Against Saudi Arabia
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Indonesian national team is poised for a challenging first match in the fourth round of 2026 Asian World Cup qualifying, facing off against Saudi Arabia at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on thursday at 12:15 AM WIB (Wednesday evening in many Western time zones). A win – or even a draw – would be a meaningful boost for Indonesia’s hopes of progressing from Group B.
All eyes are on coach Shin Tae-yong’s predicted starting eleven,which suggests a return to a familiar 4-5-1 formation. Key to this lineup is the anticipated return of goalkeeper maarten Paes, back from injury and expected to reclaim his starting position after a period sidelined. Emil audero, currently recovering, makes way for Paes between the posts.
The defense is expected to feature a solid back four with Yakob Sayuri at right-back, Calvin Verdonk on the left, and a central pairing of Kevin Diks and Jay Idzes. This combination offers a blend of experience and emerging talent, crucial for containing Saudi Arabia’s potent attack.
Midfield is where Indonesia looks to control the tempo, with Thom Haye, Joey Pelupessy, and Ricky Kambuaya likely to form the engine room. The wing positions are predicted to be filled by the pace and trickery of Miliano Jonathans and Dean James, tasked with providing width and supporting the attack.
Leading the line for Indonesia will be Ole Romeny, recently recovered from injury, entrusted with the obligation of finding the back of the net.
Predicted Indonesian Starting XI:
* Goalkeeper: maarten Paes
* Defenders: Yakob Sayuri, kevin Diks, Jay Idzes, Calvin Verdonk
* Midfielders: Miliano Jonathans, Thom Haye, Joey Pelupessy, Ricky Kambuaya, Dean James
* Forward: ole Romeny
Full Squad List:
Shin Tae-yong has named a 29-man squad for the matches against Saudi Arabia and Iraq, including:
Goalkeepers: Maarten Paes (Dallas FC), Ernando ari Sutaryadi (Persebaya Surabaya), Nadeo Argawinata (Borneo FC), Reza Arya Pratama (PSM Makassar)
[The article continues with a list of defenders and midfielders, but is cut off in the source material. A full squad list would be included here if the source provided it.]
The match will be broadcast live on RCTI and available for streaming via Vision+. Indonesia faces a tough test against a strong Saudi Arabian side, but with a returning goalkeeper and a determined squad, they will be aiming to make a statement in the opening match of their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Keywords: Indonesian National Team, Timnas Indonesia, world Cup Qualifiers, Saudi Arabia, Maarten Paes, Ole romeny, shin Tae-yong, Asian World Cup, Football, Soccer, Indonesia vs Saudi Arabia.