TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian national football team secured a 1–0 victory over China in the third round of the 2026 World Cup Group C qualifiers at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, on Thursday, June 5, 2026.
Chairperson of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), Erick Thohir, attributed the win to the support and prayers of the Indonesian people. He also credited the presence of President Prabowo Subianto with bringing good fortune to the team.
"Indeed, the prayers from the Indonesian people and the President hoped for victory, that's why he was present. Like I said, he brought luck when he was present twice (Bahrain and China). He was present twice and we won twice," Erick said to reporters after the match.
The winning goal came from Ole Romeny, who scored from the penalty spot, lifting Indonesia to 12 points and securing fourth place in the Group C standings. That position guarantees Indonesia a spot in the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers, especially after Saudi Arabia defeated Bahrain 2–0 at the National Stadium in Bahrain later that evening.
With only one match remaining in the group stage, Indonesia's 12 points are now out of reach for both Bahrain and China, who have six points each. Even if they win their remaining fixtures, they can no longer overtake Indonesia in the standings.
Despite already advancing, Indonesia still has an opportunity to climb to third place in the group. They trail Saudi Arabia by just one point. Indonesia is set to face Japan at Suita Stadium on Tuesday, June 10, while Saudi Arabia will take on Australia on Wednesday, June 11, at King Abdullah Sport City.
If Indonesia wins and Saudi Arabia drops points, the Garuda squad could finish in third place.
"This means we have 12 points and tonight there is still a match between Saudi and Bahrain. Let's wait, don't be euphoric yet. But if the result later is a draw between Saudi and Bahrain, or if Saudi wins, then our position is safe for ranking 4," Erick said, speaking before the result of the Saudi-Bahrain match was confirmed.
"But if Saudi gets a draw, then our hope is in the last match against Japan, if we can get points, then maybe we can rank third. So we focus on the play-off," he added.
Shortly after the interview, Saudi Arabia sealed a 2–0 victory against Bahrain, officially confirming Indonesia’s qualification for the fourth round of the World Cup qualifiers.
In the next round, Indonesia could potentially face strong sides from the Middle East such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar from Group A, and Iraq and Oman from Group B.
When asked about Indonesia's chances of reaching the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Erick expressed optimism.
"That's why in September, we are going to have a friendly match with teams from there – Lebanon and Kuwait – that's the preparation," he said.
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