Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Chairman Erick Thohir stated that the association is targeting the best possible results in the fourth round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers, while acknowledging the clear advantage of the host nations.
“We are aiming for the best possible outcome. We will be playing in (Saudi) Arabia and Qatar—both hosts for the fourth round,” Thohir remarked in Jakarta on Friday.
“My statement is clear: being the host certainly offers an advantage,” he added.
West Asian countries Saudi Arabia and Qatar have officially been chosen by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to host matches in the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers, scheduled for October 2025.
The decision sparked protests from some participating teams. However, Erick urged all parties to respect AFC’s ruling and instead focus on preparing the Indonesian national team.
As part of their preparations, Indonesia will play friendly matches against Kuwait and Lebanon in September 2025.
Thohir also drew attention to several routes for Indonesia to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
“There is the fourth round, the fifth round, and then the intercontinental playoffs. We have gone through something similar when we tried to qualify for the Olympics—remember our playoff against Guinea in France,” Erick, who also serves as the state-owned enterprises minister, stated..
“What matters is that we do not become a nation that gives up before the fight. That is why proper preparation is crucial,” he remarked.
When inquired about the possibility of national team coach Patrick Kluivert failing to meet the target of qualifying for the World Cup, Thohir stressed the importance of patience in developing Indonesian football and urged the public not to rush to judgment.
“Everyone is giving their best effort. Just like Coach Mochi (Indonesia women’s national team coach Satoru Mochizuki), who has been preparing the youth squad along with several U-19 diaspora players,” he remarked.
“Some U-23 players will also join next year,” he added.
He reiterated that building a strong national football program takes time, citing the five-year tenure given to former head coach Shin Tae-yong.
“Coach Patrick (Kluivert) is on a two-year contract. We will wait and see. Coach Mochi also has a two-year contract. Let us not rush things,” Thohir concluded.
