Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup were dashed after a 1-0 defeat to Iraq in their Group B match of the Asian qualifiers’ fourth round at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah early Sunday.
The loss leaves Indonesia at the bottom of Group B with zero points from two matches, effectively eliminating them from contention. In their previous game, Indonesia lost 3-2 to Saudi Arabia.
Iraq, meanwhile, boosted their chances of advancing with the win. The team, playing its first match of the round, climbed to second place in the group with three points.
Only group winners automatically qualify for the World Cup, while second-place teams move to the fifth round of qualifiers.
The match's only goal came in the 75th minute, when midfielder Zidane Iqbal scored with a low shot that beat Indonesia's goalkeeper.
Indonesia had several chances in the first half but failed to convert. Thom Haye fired a shot wide in the ninth minute, and Mauro Zijlstra's close-range effort was blocked five minutes later.
Eliano Reinders also missed a clear opportunity in the 33rd minute, while Dean James' free kick just before halftime went off target.
Iraq stepped up their attack in the second half, with Youssef Amyn missing narrowly in the 58th minute. Indonesia responded with a shot from Kevin Diks in the 65th, but Iraqi goalkeeper Jalal Hasan made the save.
Despite increased pressure from Indonesia in the final minutes, including efforts from Ole Romeny, they couldn’t find the equalizer.
Iraq were reduced to 10 men in stoppage time after defender Zaid Tahseen was sent off for a second yellow card, but Indonesia couldn’t capitalize.
The match ended 1-0, sealing Iraq's win and Indonesia's exit from the 2026 World Cup race.
Following the loss, Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Chairman Erick Thohir apologized to the public, acknowledging the team’s failure to secure a spot in the tournament.
