SAMURAI BLUE’s (Japan National Team) final match of the AFC Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 26™ is set to take place on Tuesday 10 June, when they host Indonesia. Having already secured qualification in March, Japan now continues preparations for next year’s World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For Indonesia, however, the upcoming fixtures - first against China PR on Thursday 5 June, and then Japan - represent two pivotal clashes in the nation's footballing history.

For Indonesia, a nation with a profound love of football, qualifying for the World Cup is nothing short of a national aspiration. Although the country has appeared on the global stage once before, which came way back at the 1938 FIFA World Cup France™, when they competed under the name Dutch East Indies while still under Dutch colonial rule. On that occasion, they were defeated 0-6 by the eventual runners-up, Hungary, in the first round of the knockout tournament.

Despite their deep-rooted love of football, Indonesia have struggled to make a lasting impression on the international stage since gaining independence following World War II. However, in recent years, the national team has been strengthened by players of Indonesian heritage who were born and raised mainly in the Netherlands and have now acquired Indonesian nationality. At the AFC Asian Cup in January last year, Indonesia made history by reaching the Round of 16 for the first time, having advanced beyond the group stage. They have also achieved new heights in their World Cup campaign by making it through to the final round of AFC Asian Qualifiers for the first time ever.

As of the end of March, Indonesia are sitting fourth in the group standings with nine points from two wins, three draws and three losses in this final qualifying round. Although they were defeated 0-4 by Japan at home last November, they created chances early on, as MACHIDA Koki reflected, “Had we conceded from that early opportunity, the match could have turned out completely differently.” With a four-point gap separating them from second-placed Australia, Indonesia's hopes of securing an automatic qualification spot could be extinguished on 5 June. Nonetheless, finishing third or fourth would keep their dream alive through a potential play-off route.

The squad, now featuring key players born in the Netherlands such as technically gifted forward Ragnar ORATMANGOEN and goalkeeper Maarten PAES, was further bolstered with the addition of forward Ole ROMENY, who obtained Indonesian citizenship in February and scored twice in his first two appearances in March. Another standout is 20-year-old midfielder Marselino FERDINAN, one of the few home-grown talents, who netted twice in their 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia last November.

The team’s managerial reins were handed over in January from South Korean coach SHIN Tae-yong to Dutchman Patrick KLUIVERT. A legendary figure of the Netherlands National Team, Kluivert enjoyed a storied playing career at clubs including Ajax (Netherlands), AC Milan (Italy), and FC Barcelona (Spain). Under his leadership, Indonesia will finally hope to realise their long-awaited dream of qualifying for their second World Cup.

Results of last 5 matches
(H: Home, A: Away, N: Neutral ground, ○: Win, △: Draw, ●: Loss)

Record against Japan

6 wins 2 draws 12 losses (26 goals, 46 against)

Results at the FIFA World Cup™

Appearances: 1

1930　Did not participate
1934　Did not participate
1938　1st round
1950　Did not participate
1954　Did not participate
1958　Withdrew
1962　Did not participate
1966　Did not participate
1970　Did not participate
1974　Eliminated in the qualifier
1978　Eliminated in the qualifier
1982　Eliminated in the qualifier
1986　Eliminated in the qualifier
1990　Eliminated in the qualifier
1994　Eliminated in the qualifier
1998　Eliminated in the qualifier
2002　Eliminated in the qualifier
2006　Eliminated in the qualifier
2010　Eliminated in the qualifier
2014　Eliminated in the qualifier
2018　Suspended
2022　Eliminated in the qualifier

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