Asia's Long Road to 2026 World Cup: Indonesia Ready for Crucial Fourth Round Test
Source: Between
The 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers enter an increasingly thrilling fourth round. From Wednesday, October 8 to Tuesday, October 14, 2025 local time, six teams will compete for two tickets to the 2025 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
According to the official AFC website, this fourth round is divided into two groups of three nations.
Group A features Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Meanwhile, Group B promises fiercer competition with Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Indonesia.
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Garuda Squad continues its historic journey in these qualifiers – an unprecedented achievement in modern Indonesian football history.
The round opens with Oman facing Qatar at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Wednesday, October 8 at 10:00 PM Western Indonesian Time.
In the early hours of Thursday, October 9, Indonesian fans will focus on Saudi Arabia vs Indonesia at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium, Jeddah.
This match isn't just tactical warfare but a mental test for Garuda Squad in the fortress of an Asian giant.
The action continues on Sunday, October 12: UAE vs Oman at 00:15 AM WIB, followed by Iraq vs Indonesia at 02:30 AM WIB.
The Iraq clash could determine Garuda's next trajectory.
The fourth round concludes on Wednesday, October 15 with Qatar vs UAE at 00:00 AM WIB and Saudi Arabia vs Iraq at 01:45 AM WIB.
The system is simple yet high-pressure: Only group winners qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup.
Runners-up get a playoff chance in the fifth round, while bottom teams are eliminated.
For Indonesia, this stage tests big dreams against Asia's football realities.
Unlike past campaigns, Garuda arrives with newfound confidence.
Many players now have European competition experience, making Coach Patrick Kluivert's team more than just "group filler".
Off the pitch, massive public support provides extra fuel for the players' fighting spirit.
The World Cup path is never easy. But perhaps this time, history favors Indonesia.(Antara)
