Senior Japanese journalist Toshiyuki Osumi recently provided an in-depth analysis of the Indonesian national football team’s unexpected strengths, especially as they prepare to face Japan in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Osumi urged Japan’s team to be cautious, particularly for the upcoming match at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on November 15, 2024. Osumi’s insights emphasized that while Indonesia currently ranks 130th in FIFA standings and may appear as an underdog, their recent performance has shown otherwise.
Osumi highlighted the remarkable journey of Indonesia’s football program, which he called one of the fastest-growing in Asia. Starting at 173rd place in the FIFA rankings in early 2020, Indonesia has climbed over 40 spots within four years, surpassing nearly 50 countries. This rapid rise, according to Osumi, reflects Indonesia’s tremendous progress and dedication, which are evident in the strides they have made across various tournaments.
Recalling Indonesia’s performances in the recent Asian Cup and the U-23 Asian Cup (an Olympic qualifier in Qatar), Osumi was particularly impressed. Indonesia advanced to the knockout rounds in the senior Asian Cup, and in the U-23 Asian Cup, they defeated South Korea, ending Korea’s nine-tournament streak of Olympic qualifications. For Osumi, this achievement underscored Indonesia’s commitment to improving at both youth and senior levels, marking them as a rising force in Asian football.
Looking at Indonesia’s progress in the World Cup qualifiers, Osumi observed how Indonesia managed to draw against some of Asia’s top teams. They held their own against Saudi Arabia and Australia and secured another draw with Bahrain. Even in their recent 2-1 loss to China, Indonesia showed dominance in possession, recording 76% ball control, significantly out-passing and out-shooting their opponents. These performances demonstrate a level of tenacity and capability that could make Indonesia a tough contender.
Osumi ended by advising Asian teams, especially Japan, to take note of Indonesia’s development. With Indonesia now set to enter the third round of World Cup qualifiers for the first time in history, he views them as a formidable team, bringing high levels of skill and strategy to the field under their coach Shin Tae-yong. For Japan and other Asian teams, facing Indonesia may now present challenges they hadn’t anticipated, making Indonesia a team to watch closely on the road to the World Cup.
