Matchup: Indonesia vs Saudi Arabia
Event: FIFA World Cup AFC Qualifiers
Venue: Alinma Bank Stadium, King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Date & Time: Wednesday, October 8, 8:15 PM local time (17:15 GMT)
Coverage: Tune in to Al Jazeera Sport from 5:15 PM (14:15 GMT) for pre-match analysis followed by live text commentary.
As the AFC’s fourth round of qualifiers for the FIFA 2026 World Cup commences this Wednesday, Indonesia will take on Saudi Arabia. Six teams remain in contention for a coveted spot at the tournament set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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The third qualifying round wrapped up in June, with half a dozen AFC nations securing their places. Although the fourth round is critical, teams still have a lifeline through the intercontinental playoffs.
Al Jazeera Sport breaks down the upcoming fixtures and explains how the remaining hopefuls can secure their ticket to football’s grandest stage next year.
Why is Saudi Arabia hosting the Indonesia match?
In June, Saudi Arabia and Qatar were designated as joint hosts for this brief but decisive fourth phase of AFC World Cup qualifiers.
How is the fourth round of AFC World Cup qualifiers structured?
The six remaining contenders are split into two groups of three. Each team faces the others once, with the group winners earning direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup.
Teams finishing second will clash in a two-legged playoff, with the victor advancing to the intercontinental playoffs – the final gateway for global teams to join the tournament.
Which teams make up the AFC fourth qualifying round groups?
- Group A: Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman
- Group B: Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Indonesia
When are the fourth round matches and playoffs scheduled?
The concluding group stage matches for AFC qualification run from October 8 to 14. The campaign kicks off with Indonesia facing Saudi Arabia and Oman hosting Qatar on Wednesday.
The two-legged playoffs for the runners-up are slated for November 13 and 18.
Complete fixture list for the fourth round of AFC qualifiers
Wednesday, October 8:
- Group A: Oman vs Qatar
- Group B: Indonesia vs Saudi Arabia
Saturday, October 11:
- Group A: United Arab Emirates vs Oman
- Group B: Iraq vs Indonesia
Tuesday, October 14:
- Group A: Qatar vs United Arab Emirates
- Group B: Saudi Arabia vs Iraq
Indonesia’s performance in the third round of AFC qualifiers
Indonesia concluded the previous round in fourth place within Group C, behind Japan and Australia who secured the automatic World Cup berths, with Saudi Arabia finishing third. China and Bahrain were eliminated.
A pivotal 1-0 victory over China in their penultimate match ensured Indonesia’s progression to the fourth round.
Saudi Arabia’s journey through the third round of AFC qualifiers
Saudi Arabia had a shot at direct qualification in their final group game but fell 2-1 to Australia, who clinched second place.
Abdulrahman Al-Obud gave Saudi Arabia an early lead, but the team needed an improbable four-goal margin to overturn the goal difference and advance automatically.
Recap of the last Indonesia vs Saudi Arabia encounters
In a memorable home fixture, Marselino Ferdinan netted twice to secure a 2-0 victory for Indonesia. The return match in Saudi Arabia ended in a 1-1 stalemate last September.
✨ THE PLAYOFFS ARE HERE ✨
The journey to the #FIFAWorldCup takes a thrilling twist as the #AsianQualifiers Playoffs begin tomorrow! 🌍⚽
Who will keep their dreams alive? 👀 pic.twitter.com/B3m7FT6DEd– #AsianQualifiers (@afcasiancup) October 7, 2025
Indonesia urged to stay composed amid Saudi Arabia’s home advantage
Coach Patrick Kluivert has encouraged his squad to remain unfazed by the intense atmosphere expected at a packed King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.
Indonesia is chasing its first-ever World Cup appearance since gaining independence in 1949.
“Fear shows vulnerability, and if we display that, it empowers our opponents,” said the former Netherlands and Barcelona striker. “We respect Saudi Arabia’s strength, especially on home turf, but maintaining focus and calmness is crucial.”
“We face two must-win matches, starting with tomorrow’s. The stakes are enormous as we represent a nation of 280 million people and carry the hopes of our fans.”
Saudi Arabia aims to bounce back against Indonesia
Head coach Herve Renard expressed confidence in his team’s progress since January and their readiness to secure a victory that edges them closer to a seventh World Cup appearance.
“We’ve improved significantly and grown stronger, but the true test will be on the pitch,” Renard stated.
Indonesia squad update
Indonesia will be without key goalkeeper Emil Audero and striker Marselino Ferdinan, the latter having scored twice in their previous win over Saudi Arabia. Forward Ole Romeny remains doubtful.
Saudi Arabia squad update
Leading the Saudi attack will be Salem Al-Dawsari, who boasts 25 international goals.
Defenders Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti and Saad Al-Nasser are sidelined with muscle and knee injuries, respectively, while goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi is questionable due to a hamstring issue.
Projected Indonesia starting XI
Argawinata; Ridho, Idzes, Hubner; Sayuri, Haye, Pelupessy, Verdonk; Vikri, Sananta, Kambuaya
Projected Saudi Arabia starting XI
Al-Aqidi; Al-Amri, Boushal, Al-Tambakti, Al-Harbi; Al-Dawsari, Kanno, Al-Hassan, Ali; Al-Shehri, Al-Buraikan
