Iraq vs Indonesia will play early this morning. On paper, Team Garuda is not the favorite. Can Jay Idzes lead Indonesia to Round 5?
Indonesia’s dream of appearing in the 2026 World Cup finals will be decided early this morning WIB. After losing 2-3 to Saudi Arabia, Patrick Kluivert’s team must win if they want to maintain their chances of qualifying for the biggest football tournament.
The Indonesian national team still has no points, after being defeated by Saudi Arabia 2-3. Indonesia’s final match in Group B is against Iraq, so a win is crucial for Patrick Kluivert’s team!
Meanwhile, for Iraq, this will be their first match in Round 4. Iraq can be said to have a slight advantage because they have time to observe and analyze Indonesia’s playing style. They will certainly learn a lot from Saudi Arabia’s victory.
Iraq also has a good head-to-head record. Since 2023, Iraq has faced Indonesia three times. Iraq has won each time, scoring 10 goals and conceding two. However, Iraq is no longer under the control of Jesus Casas, but rather Graham Arnold.
Indonesia’s plan for the 2026 World Cup is to defeat Iraq by more than one goal. After that, Indonesia must hope Saudi Arabia defeats Iraq.
If that happens, Indonesia will win Group B with a superior goal difference over Saudi Arabia, even though they both have three points. Alternatively, if Saudi Arabia wins by more than two goals, Indonesia will finish second and advance to the fifth round.
If Indonesia holds Iraq to a draw, Indonesia must then hope Saudi Arabia defeats Iraq by more than two goals. Indonesia will then finish second. If Indonesia loses to Iraq, the Garuda team’s chances are over.
The international media has heavily favored Iraq, but that is an assumption on paper. Iraq historically has a tremendous advantage over Indonesia. However, the ball is round, so Indonesia still has a chance.