Erick Thohir aims for Indonesia National Team to reach top 100 FIFA ranking and qualify for World Cup 2030.

The Indonesian National Team's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup hasn't dampened the spirit of PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir. He immediately set his sights far ahead, targeting the Red-and-White Garuda's appearance at the 2030 World Cup with a more aggressive and sustainable team development program.

In a post on his official Instagram account on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, Erick affirmed his new resolve following Indonesia's defeats to Saudi Arabia and Iraq in the fourth qualifying round.

“We apologize and will conduct an evaluation and reformulate our strategy to achieve our shared big dream. This includes breaking into the FIFA Top 100, qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup, and appearing in the 2030 World Cup finals,” wrote Erick.

Erick, who also serves as Minister of Youth and Sports, emphasized that full support comes from President Prabowo Subianto. 

In a video he uploaded, he revealed a direct message from the President urging PSSI and the National Team not to stop fighting despite this qualifying failure.

“I also convey this openly to the public and the government. So, yes, I must apologize to all who believed. When I informed the President, he is a resilient person, a figure who never gives up, 'Just try again, Mr. Erick, must try again'. 'Wow, that got me motivated again',” Erick revealed.

The 2026 failure is being used as a momentum to strengthen the national team's foundation. Erick stated that PSSI will rebuild the development program from the ground up, including more intensive training patterns and competitions, so the Garuda squad can compete at the elite level in Asia.

“We can't hide from defeat or failure. I'm glad the President said, 'Try again, create a more aggressive program',” he added.

The 2030 World Cup will be a special edition, commemorating 100 years since the first tournament in Uruguay in 1930. 

The event will be held across six countries: Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. Morocco, Portugal, and Spain will be the main hosts. Meanwhile, the three South American countries will have the honor of hosting the opening matches.

Now, after the 2026 setback, PSSI's focus isn't just on qualification, but on preparing a team that is truly ready to compete on the world stage.

With an undying spirit and government support, Indonesia's dream of playing in the World Cup is no longer just talk, but a concrete target for 2030.