Iraq Buries Indonesian National Team's Dream of Playing in 2026 World Cup

Indonesia's dream of reaching the 2026 World Cup has been dashed. The Garuda squad suffered a narrow 0-1 defeat to Iraq in their Group B fourth-round Asian zone qualifying match held at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Jeddah, early Sunday morning WIB, October 12, 2025.

This result leaves Indonesia stuck at the bottom of Group B without a single point from two matches. This defeat firmly shuts the door on Indonesia's chances of advancing to the 2026 World Cup finals. Previously, the Red and White team also had to acknowledge Saudi Arabia's superiority with a 2-3 loss.

Meanwhile, the victory over Indonesia opens a wide path for Iraq to advance to the finals. With three points from one match, they now occupy second place in the provisional Group B standings.

According to regulations, only the group winner qualifies directly for the 2026 World Cup from the fourth round in the Asian zone. The second-placed team must still fight in the fifth round for the remaining tickets.

Zidane Iqbal Makes the Difference in Tight Match

The match against Iraq was tight from the opening minutes. Iraq appeared pressing, but it was Indonesia who created the first chance in the ninth minute through a Thom Haye shot that went just wide of the Iraqi goal.

Five minutes later, Haye again became the chance creator with a perfect cross to Mauro Zijlstra. However, the striker's effort was successfully blocked by the Iraqi defense.

Patrick Kluivert's men continued trying to break the deadlock. In the 33rd minute, Eliano Reinders had a golden opportunity, but his finish wasn't perfect.

Towards the end of the first half, Dean James tried his luck with a hard free-kick, but the ball again only passed the side of the Iraqi goal. The first half ended goalless.

Entering the second half, the intensity of the game increased. Iraq tried to take control of the attack and threatened through a Youssef Amyn shot in the 58th minute, but the direction was still off target.

Indonesia didn't stay silent. Kevin Diks applied pressure with a low shot in the 65th minute, but Iraqi goalkeeper Jalal Hasan was still alert to secure the ball.

Disaster struck for Indonesia in the 75th minute. Iraqi midfielder Zidane Iqbal unleashed an accurate low shot that the Garuda goalkeeper couldn't reach. The score changed to 1-0 for Iraq.

Garuda Fight Until the End

Trailing by a goal, Indonesia tried to fight back. Ole Romeny and colleagues pressed the Iraqi defense several times, but chance after chance failed to produce a goal.

Drama unfolded at the end of the match. Iraq had to play with 10 men after Zaid Tahseen received his second yellow card in the 90+9th minute. Unfortunately, time was not on Garuda's side. The final whistle blew with the score still 1-0 for Iraq's victory.

Although this result means Indonesia fails to advance to the 2026 World Cup, the team's fighting spirit deserves appreciation. With a squad mostly comprised of young players, many positives can be taken as lessons for the next qualification campaign. Fighting spirit, determination, and confidence are crucial assets for Indonesia to compete again at the Asian level. (Antara)