AFC Asian Qualifiers
Together with Iraq, each team will have two matches in Group B to determine their FIFA World Cup 2026 destiny as only the top spot will secure an automatic place in next year’s Finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The high stakes clash will be a meeting between familiar foes, with the sides having met twice in Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 where Indonesia got a win and a draw.
The same King Abdullah Sports City Stadium was the venue where the then Shin Tae-yong-led Indonesia held Saudi Arabia 1-1 in September 2024 before a Marselino Ferdinan brace saw the Southeast Asian side pick up a 2-0 win the following month.
Herve Renard’s Saudi Arabia will believe they have what it takes to qualify for a third successive FIFA World Cup Finals with the Frenchman having the experience of leading the team at Qatar 2022.
The same King Abdullah Sports City Stadium was the venue where the then Shin Tae-yong-led Indonesia held Saudi Arabia 1-1 in September 2024 before a Marselino Ferdinan brace saw the Southeast Asian side pick up a 2-0 win the following month.
Herve Renard’s Saudi Arabia will believe they have what it takes to qualify for a third successive FIFA World Cup Finals with the Frenchman having the experience of leading the team at Qatar 2022.
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“When I came back almost one year ago my goal was to qualify directly to the World Cup,” said Renard. “We didn’t achieve this goal because we were not strong enough.
“If we want to expect something from these two games we have to be stronger, with more discipline, more dedication, more concentration on the really important parts of the game.
“I think we have made very good improvements since January and we continue on our way. We are more confident today, I think we are stronger than before but let’s play, because the reality is on the field.”
“If we want to expect something from these two games we have to be stronger, with more discipline, more dedication, more concentration on the really important parts of the game.
“I think we have made very good improvements since January and we continue on our way. We are more confident today, I think we are stronger than before but let’s play, because the reality is on the field.”
#AsianQualifiers – Preview: Road to 26 Playoffs Group Stage
International friendlies played last month saw Renard’s charges defeat North Macedonia 2-1 before sharing a 1-1 draw with Czechia, with forward Abdullah Alhamddan scoring in each of those ties.
Indonesia also played twice in the September international window, drawing 0-0 with Lebanon and defeating Chinese Taipei 6-0 as head coach Patrick Kluivert looks to take them to the global stage.
While Kluivert believes the advantage is with Saudi Arabia, the former Netherlands international is not discounting Indonesia pulling off a surprise.
Indonesia also played twice in the September international window, drawing 0-0 with Lebanon and defeating Chinese Taipei 6-0 as head coach Patrick Kluivert looks to take them to the global stage.
While Kluivert believes the advantage is with Saudi Arabia, the former Netherlands international is not discounting Indonesia pulling off a surprise.
“I’m not afraid, because if you’re afraid you show your weakness,” said Kluivert. “If we show weaknesses, that gives the opponent strength.
“We know the power and the strength of Saudi Arabia, especially when they play at home, but we need to be focused. The mindset is the most important thing, to be calm in warm situations.”
There is a return to the national side for midfielder Marc Klok, with Kluivert also looking closely at the fitness of goalkeeper Maartin Paes and forward Ole Romeny.
“We know the power and the strength of Saudi Arabia, especially when they play at home, but we need to be focused. The mindset is the most important thing, to be calm in warm situations.”
There is a return to the national side for midfielder Marc Klok, with Kluivert also looking closely at the fitness of goalkeeper Maartin Paes and forward Ole Romeny.
Indonesia v Saudi Arabia
Venue: King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium (Jeddah)
Kick-off: Wednesday, 20:15 (UTC+3)
Venue: King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium (Jeddah)
Kick-off: Wednesday, 20:15 (UTC+3)
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