Indonesia lost to a South American team ahead of the U17 World Cup

The Indonesia U17 squad was narrowly defeated by a South American team just before embarking on the 2025 U17 World Cup journey.

The Indonesia U17 team is actively preparing for the 2025 U17 World Cup campaign with training sessions and friendly matches aimed at refining their playing style and form.

Under the guidance of coach Nova Arianto, the Indonesia U17 team has undergone several weeks of training in Dubai (UAE). Recently, they played a friendly match against U17 Paraguay, another participant in the 2025 U17 World Cup, at Al Hamriya Complex, Sharjah. In this match, Indonesia U17 lost narrowly 1-2.

Fadly Alberto scored the opening goal for the Southeast Asian side in the first half, but U17 Paraguay came back strongly in the second half with two goals from Jose Buhring (70th minute) and Mauricio De Carvalho (90+2 minute), completing the comeback.

According to the plan, the young Indonesian players will continue to have valuable friendly matches against U17 Ivory Coast and U17 Panama, two other teams qualified for the prestigious U17 World Cup, before the official tournament begins.

Indonesia U17 is the only Southeast Asian representative at the 2025 U17 World Cup after successfully advancing through the qualifiers. Coach Nova Arianto's squad won all three matches in Group C at the U17 Asian Championship, including a victory over South Korea, securing their spot at the 2025 U17 World Cup. Meanwhile, despite strong efforts with three draws against Australia, Japan, and UAE, Vietnam U17 finished third in Group B and missed out on the top youth competition.

Regarding Indonesia U17’s roster for the 2025 U17 World Cup, the team includes some players of Indonesian descent playing abroad such as Matthew Baker and Lucas Lee. Additionally, familiar key players like Putu Panji, Evandra Florasta, and Zahaby Gholy are also included.

Indonesia U17 will compete in the 2025 U17 World Cup held in Qatar from November 3 to 27, 2025. This year’s tournament features 48 teams divided into 12 groups. The Indonesian squad is placed in Group H alongside U17 Brazil, U17 Honduras, and U17 Zambia.

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