57-Year Winless Streak: Indonesia Faces Iraq's Curse in Do-or-Die Clash

Every generation of the Indonesian national team has always had a difficult opponent to defeat. For the Garuda, one of the biggest "nightmares" has been Iraq. Now, at this crucial moment of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, that curse may come knocking once again.

The Indonesian national team will face Iraq in the second matchday of Group B in Round 4 of the 2026 World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

From the head-to-head record perspective, this duel is no ordinary match. It is a mental test, a historical test, and an attempt to open a new chapter that has been closed for nearly six decades.

The match against Iraq means more than just three points as it will determine Indonesia's path in the qualifiers.

After a 2-3 defeat to Saudi Arabia, the crucial match against Iraq at King Abdullah Stadium on Sunday, October 12, 2025 (early morning WIB), will be a life-or-death battle for Patrick Kluivert's squad.

In this situation, losing is not an option. Another defeat would practically end Indonesia's chances of reaching the 2026 World Cup.

A draw may not be enough, while victory is the only way to keep hopes alive for advancing to the next round.

57 Years Without Victory

Statistically, the head-to-head record against Iraq favors Indonesia little. The Garuda's last victory over the Lions of Mesopotamia happened in 1968—57 years ago—during Olympic Qualifiers.

Since then, Indonesia has tried repeatedly but always failed. Even in the modern era, the gap in strength between the two teams is evident.

Three Recent Meetings, All Bitter

Over the last three years, Iraq has been an impenetrable wall. The teams have met three times: twice in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers (Round 3) and once in the 2023 Asian Cup.

The result: Indonesia not only failed to win but couldn't even snatch a point. The Young Garuda lost 1-5, 1-3, and 0-2, scoring only two goals against Iraq—despite fielding naturalized players.

Their latest encounter was in June 2024. Indonesia was already reinforced with naturalized players like Thom Haye and Justin Hubner. Jay Idzes was also in the squad but remained on the bench.

Indonesia vs Iraq Head-to-Head Record (via Transfermarkt):

June 6, 2024: Indonesia 0-2 Iraq

January 15, 2024: Indonesia 1-3 Iraq

November 16, 2023: Iraq 5-1 Indonesia

November 19, 2013: Indonesia 0-2 Iraq

February 6, 2013: Iraq 1-0 Indonesia

March 21, 1973: Iraq 3-2 Indonesia

March 16, 1973: Indonesia 1-1 Iraq

January 22, 1968: Iraq 1-1 Indonesia

January 18, 1968: Indonesia 2-1 Iraq

These records show Iraq isn't just an opponent but a wall Indonesia has yet to breach.

On Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 02:30 WIB at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Indonesia will attempt to tear down that wall once more.

Will history change this time? Or will the curse continue?