The Indonesian National Team suffered a crushing 1-5 defeat to Australia in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, Thursday (20/6).
Not only did they fail to get points, the Indonesian National Team also had to accept that the current goal difference is getting worse. The Garuda Squad currently has a goal difference of minus nine.
Amidst these poor results, there is still good news for the Indonesian National Team. That is the fact that the Indonesian National Team is still in fourth place in Group C.
This situation could happen because Japan managed to beat Bahrain with a score of 2-0 and Saudi Arabia defeated China 1-0. These results brought the Indonesian National Team to fourth place with a goal productivity advantage over Bahrain and a goal difference advantage over China.
With the Indonesian National Team sitting in fourth place, the Indonesian National Team automatically still holds control over its own destiny to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Indeed, to qualify directly, such as sitting in the top two of Group C, the opportunity is now slim. However, to end the group phase in position 3-4, the opportunity is still big and Indonesia does not need to depend on the results of other teams.
The next two matches are important matches for the Indonesian National Team. The reason is, the Garuda Squad will face Bahrain and China directly, who are the main competitors for the top four positions.
Fortunately for the Indonesian National Team, the two matches will be played at home. Automatically, the Indonesian National Team will play with full support from the audience.
The closest match is against Bahrain at Bung Karno Main Stadium on Tuesday (25/3). Meanwhile, the duel against China will take place on June 5.
The Indonesian National Team must win the two matches to keep their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in their own hands. With a win against two direct competitors, the Indonesian National Team will at least secure a position in the top four and will continue their struggle to the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
