Indonesia’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to an end after a 1-0 defeat to Iraq in the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers on Saturday. Despite the loss, the Garuda can hold their heads high after a campaign that reignited belief and pride across the nation.
From sweeping Vietnam in the second round to memorable victories over China and Bahrain in the third, Indonesia consistently defied expectations. They matched Asia’s elite sides blow for blow, earning draws against Saudi Arabia and Australia to underline their progress under coach Shin Tae-yong.
For a team once considered outsiders, reaching this stage marked a new chapter for Indonesian football. Their fearless performances captured the imagination of fans and showed that the gap with Asia’s top teams is narrowing.
The journey also carried emotional weight. Just three years after the Kanjuruhan Stadium disaster, which claimed 135 lives, Indonesian football is once again being spoken about for the right reasons.
The 2026 World Cup will take place without them, but Indonesia’s campaign has already left its mark – one that the nation will remember forever.
