Indonesia Reaches Round 4 of World Cup Qualifiers
- Shohei Miyano/Kyodo News via AP
Jakarta, VIVA – Indonesian national football team has made history as the only team to reach the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in the Asian zone despite being ranked outside the top 100 in the FIFA rankings.
In this stage, the Garuda Squad must face five other teams, all of which have significantly higher positions in the world rankings.
According to the FIFA rankings as of April 3, 2025, Indonesia is ranked 123rd.
Meanwhile, the other five teams that advanced to the fourth round are all within the top 100: Qatar (55), Saudi Arabia (58), Iraq (59), United Arab Emirates (65), and Oman (77).
Indonesia advanced to the fourth round after finishing as runners-up in Group F during the previous round, collecting 10 points from six matches.
This achievement is remarkable considering the significant ranking gap with their next opponents.
Duel Timnas Jepang vs Timnas Indonesia
- Shohei Miyano/Kyodo News via AP
Even so, this result proves that FIFA rankings do not always reflect a team’s true strength on the pitch.
Indonesia’s surprise success shows that hard work and smart strategy can level the playing field against higher-ranked opponents.
FIFA is scheduled to release its next ranking update on July 10, 2025, but Indonesia’s latest result against Japan on June 10 ensures they still won’t break into the top 100.
This will almost certainly place Indonesia in Pot 3 during the fourth round draw, set to take place in Osaka, Japan, on July 17.
As the underdog, Indonesia now has the chance to steal the spotlight if they can remain consistent and deliver surprises in the next phase.
The fourth round will be both a proving ground and a major test for the Garuda Squad to continue pushing their limits.
FIFA Rankings of Teams in Round 4 – 2026 World Cup Asian Qualifiers:
• Qatar: 55
• Saudi Arabia: 58
• Iraq: 59
• United Arab Emirates: 65
• Oman: 77
• Indonesia: 123
Usai Bawa Timnas Indonesia Juara, Calvin Verdonk Titip Pesan Menyentuh untuk Anak-anak
Calvin Verdonk beri pesan menyentuh untuk anak-anak usai bawa Indonesia juara Piala ASEAN FIFA 2026 dan hapus catatan kelam adu penalti atas Thailand.
