In a highly anticipated clash, Indonesia is set to face Australia in a crucial match of the 2026 World Cup Qualification. The game will take place on March 20, 2025, at 4:10 PM WIB at the Sydney Football Stadium, marking a significant moment in the ongoing rivalry between the two nations.
Historically, Indonesia has struggled against Australia, winning only once in their last 20 encounters, a victory that dates back 44 years to August 30, 1981. On that day, Indonesia triumphed 1-0 at the Gelora 10 November Stadium in Surabaya during the qualification round for the 1982 World Cup. Since then, Australia has dominated the matchup with eight wins and two draws over the last ten meetings. The most recent match occurred on September 10, 2024, at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) in Jakarta, which ended in a 0-0 draw. This result offered a glimmer of hope to Indonesian fans, hinting that their team may be on an upward trajectory.
Despite the previous setback—a heavy 0-4 loss to Australia in the Round of 16 of the 2023 Asian Cup—Indonesia has shown signs of improvement. Following their respectable draw in Jakarta, Indonesia's FIFA ranking rose from 146 to 129. However, after mixed performances against Bahrain and China, the team slipped back down to 130. Following a strong home victory against Saudi Arabia, they regained ground, finishing the year at 127 but ended at 129 after a less successful campaign in the ASEAN Cup 2024.
Head coach Patrick Kluivert expressed confidence heading into the match, stating at a press conference on March 19, 2025, “I think the team is ready. They know what we expect tomorrow, so we can't wait to play the match.” Kluivert has called up 30 players, with notable debutant Septian Bagaskara, who has been impressive in Liga 1 Indonesia, scoring seven goals this season. Alongside him, players like Ole Romeny, Dean James, Joey Pelupessy, and Emil Audero are also set to earn their first caps for the national squad. Kluivert’s selections reflect both continuity and fresh talent as he prepares for this pivotal encounter.
Meanwhile, Australian coach Tony Popovic has also amended his squad, introducing four new faces. Nectarios Triantis, Kai Trewin, Alex Grant, and Ryan Teague will be part of the 26-man roster aiming to secure victory against Indonesia. Popovic has also reinstated several players who have been absent from the national setup for a considerable time, including Jason Davidson, Adam Taggart, Marco Tilio, Daniel Arzani, Fran Karacic, and Tom Glover, as they seek to reinforce their chance of qualification.
A critical aspect of Kluivert's strategy heading into the game remains under wraps, with the coach indicating, “Making significant changes right now is nearly impossible. However, of course, there are some things I won’t reveal here. There will be changes, but it remains a team secret.” Speculation surrounds whether Kluivert will opt for his favored 4-3-3 formation or stick with a more defensive 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 setup that has previously characterized Indonesia’s play.
Both teams are currently poised to make a strong push for qualification. Indonesia sits at six points while Australia holds seven points in Group C, enhancing the stakes for this crucial encounter. Should Indonesia win, they would likely leapfrog Australia and strengthen their position as they aim to accompany Japan—the group leader—into the World Cup.
Moreover, Japan is also in action on March 20, poised to secure its spot in the World Cup by facing Bahrain in Saitama later that day. As both Indonesia and Australia prepare for their showdown, the outcome could greatly affect the dynamics of Group C. The stakes could not be higher for the Garuda as they seek their second historical victory against the Socceroos.
In this highly competitive arena, Kluivert's squad must take advantage of the opportunity presented to them and deliver a performance that could mark a turning point in Indonesian football history. With passion, determination, and a desire to succeed, the Garuda fans hope for a celebration after so many years of waiting.
The match at Sydney Football Stadium promises excitement, as both teams look to secure critical points in their quest for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
