Maarten Paes and His Sweet Record Against Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia and Iraq will be the opponents for the Indonesian National Team in the Fourth Round of 2026 World Cup Qualifying. Indonesian National Team goalkeeper, Maarten Paes, has an impressive record when facing Saudi Arabia.

The Garuda Team will face Saudi Arabia on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 00:15 WIB (Western Indonesian Time), followed by Iraq on Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 02:30 WIB at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 

Paes considers the two upcoming matches to be the biggest in the national team's history.

“Massive matches. I think it's the biggest games in the country's history. But, I saw one of the coaches in the league say that sometimes you have to play the game, not the moment,” said Paes, quoted from the official FC Dallas social media account, on Monday.

He added that the key to victory is maintaining focus and not being burdened by the magnitude of the situation. 

“I think, as a team, we shouldn't get too caught up in it. And with that, we have a huge chance to win,” he said.

Those words aren't just empty optimism. Paes does have a special record when facing Saudi Arabia. 

Last year, he twice shut out the team known for its sharp attack line. At that time, the National Team managed a 1-1 draw in Jeddah and won 2-0 in Jakarta. 

In the first match, Paes saved a penalty kick. In the second meeting, the 27-year-old goalkeeper recorded a clean sheet. 

Now, those memories fuel his enthusiasm ahead of the crucial duel in Jeddah. 

Especially since he has just recovered from a long-term injury that sidelined him since August. 

That injury also caused him to miss two FIFA Match Day games against Taiwan and Lebanon in Surabaya last month.

“Feeling great. Yeah, I think this game has been a red-letter date in my schedule. I know it's nine weeks since my injury,” said Paes, who is currently en route to join his teammates in Jeddah after returning to play for FC Dallas against LA Galaxy.

Paes' return between the goalposts is good news for the Garuda squad. With two tough matches ahead, Indonesia needs his experience, composure, and sharp instincts.

In this fourth round, only the top two teams from each group will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup. 

This means every point is crucial, and every save from Paes could make the difference.(Antara)