Indonesia captain confident about securing a World Cup spot

Captain Jay Idzes asserts that Indonesia still has a chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, showing confidence and determination ahead of the crucial knockout match against Iraq in the qualifiers.

Before the decisive match against Iraq in the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers, captain Jay Idzes confirmed that the Indonesian team still has a full opportunity to advance, despite the unfortunate 2-3 loss to Saudi Arabia in the opening round.

The match between Indonesia and Iraq will take place early Sunday morning (October 12, Vietnam time) at King Abdullah Sports City. This is regarded as the “final” for coach Patrick Kluivert’s squad, as only a victory can keep Indonesia’s hopes alive to move on. For Idzes, this is no ordinary game but a do-or-die battle that will decide the entire campaign.

“This is definitely the most important day. This match is not ordinary; it’s a final,” the defender currently playing for Sassuolo (Italy) said on The Haye Way podcast. “We had two matches considered separate finals, and now this is the last one where everything will be decided.”

Following the defeat to Saudi Arabia, the Indonesian team still showed strong fighting spirit and determination to win the remaining match. Idzes believes their chance is not completely gone. “We have finished the first match, now there is only one more to get through. The opportunity remains, and we have to believe in it,” he said.

According to the player born in 2000, Indonesia can somewhat control their destiny if they maintain focus and tactical discipline. “Of course, some factors are beyond our control, such as results in other groups, but the key is to take charge of what happens on the field. That is where the entire team is fully focused,” Idzes emphasized.

Under coach Patrick Kluivert’s leadership, the Indonesian team is gradually showing clear maturity, especially in their composure against top Asian opponents. With the fighting spirit and belief conveyed by captain Jay Idzes, fans from the archipelago have every reason to hope for a historic result when Indonesia faces Iraq in the match that could decide the ticket to the 2026 World Cup, closely watched by all Southeast Asia.