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View all search resultsIndonesia’s World Cup hopes dashed after defeat to Iraq
Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) chair Erick Thohir apologized for the abrupt end of the national men’s soccer team’s World Cup campaign following a 1-0 defeat to Iraq in the fourth round of the Asian qualifier.
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Indonesia senior men's soccer players Thom Haye (right) and Milliano Jonathans (left) react on Oct. 11 after the 2026 World Cup Asian fourth round qualifier match between Indonesia and Iraq at the King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters/Stringer)
I
ndonesia will need to wait for at least another five years to reach the final stages of a soccer World Cup, as its closest bid to reach next year’s tournament ended following a 1-0 loss to Iraq in the latest round of the Asian qualifiers.
The country’s senior men’s soccer team suffered a narrow defeat to Iraq in a match at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Saturday evening local time, despite its strong showing in the first half of the game. Several attempts for a goal were made by defender Kevin Diks and midfielder Thom Haye.
In the second half, however, a missed pass from defender Rizky Ridho deep in Indonesia’s own half led to a counterattack that was capitalized on by Iraq’s substitute Zidane Iqbal. The former midfielder of English soccer giant Manchester United scored Iraq’s only goal in the 76th minute.
The result effectively ended Indonesia’s campaign for the 2026 World Cup cohosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, leaving the country at the bottom of Group B in the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers without a point.
It previously suffered a 3-2 loss to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
Indonesia’s head coach Patrick Kluivert, who was appointed earlier this year by the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) to replace his South Korean predecessor Shin Tae-yong, said his players had given their all despite the painful result.
While admitting that he was disappointed with the result, Kluivert said he was also proud of the players, whom he argued were playing better than their opponents.
