Latest Indonesia-Iraq national team match schedule: Life and death battle to win World Cup ticket, Coach Kluivert unleashes a secret move?

Indonesian national team coach Patrick Kluivert affirmed that he has prepared carefully for the important match with Iraq in the 4th qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup in Asia.

In the 4th qualifying round, the Indonesian team is in Group B, along with Saudi Arabia and Iraq. On the opening day, coach Patrick Kluivert and his team did not play well, losing 2-3 to Saudi Arabia and falling to the bottom of the group. Therefore, the match against Iraq at 2:30 am tomorrow morning (October 12) plays an important role for the Indonesian team. If they want to keep their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup alive, the archipelago team must win this match. On the contrary, if they continue to lose, the Indonesian team will be officially eliminated.

However, according to the assessment of Indonesian media, the task of defeating the Iraqi team will be very difficult for coach Patrick Kluivert and his team. In terms of strength, Iraq is even rated higher than Saudi Arabia. At the same time, in the last 3 meetings, the Indonesian team had to accept defeat.

"The only thing to do is to beat Iraq. It's a very difficult task, but we are brave people," coach Patrick Kluivert expressed his determination in the press conference before the match.

The Indonesian team (red shirt) must beat Iraq to have any hope of reaching the 2026 World Cup.

PHOTO: REUTERS

In addition to facing a very strong team, coach Patrick Kluivert is also having a headache in choosing the starting 11 players. The fact that Indonesia has many new naturalized players makes it impossible for the Dutch coach to create unity in the playing style. After the loss to Saudi Arabia, coach Patrick Kluivert himself admitted that the Indonesian players lacked cohesion because they did not have much time to practice together.

What does the Indonesian press say?

CNN Indonesia commented: “In September 2025, in two friendly matches with Taiwan and Lebanon, Mr. Patrick Kluivert tested the 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 formations. When playing 4 matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifying round 3, coach Patrick Kluivert added the 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 formation. However, in the 2-3 loss to Saudi Arabia, the Indonesian captain used the 4-2-3-1 formation. But what was the result, many players could not adapt and Indonesia was crushed by the opponent. Just looking at those things can confirm, clearly coach Patrick Kluivert is having difficulty choosing who to play.”

Bola revealed that under pressure to win the "life-or-death" match with Iraq, the Indonesian coaching staff had to work tirelessly in recent days. They continuously dissected the tape, carefully analyzed the loss to Saudi Arabia to adjust tactics. Coach Patrick Kluivert shared: "It would be crazy if I revealed my plan now, because then the opposing team could focus on that tactic. We have prepared a special strategy and I think that is the best way to defeat Iraq."

“The Indonesian team is doing everything to support each other. I believe the players will fight for the fans, the country and their families. At the same time, I hope you are also the 12th player and always present wherever the team goes. Tomorrow, when the match starts, you will see what we do. And when everything is over, I will explain these new things,” the Indonesian coach emphasized.

Coach Patrick Kluivert announced that he will have special tactics to play Iraq.

PHOTO: REUTERS

In contrast to the difficult situation of the Indonesian team, Iraq is in a very comfortable mood. Coach Graham Arnold expressed: "The Iraqi team needs to focus on each match, and now we are ready to face Indonesia. They are a strong team but I believe the Iraqi team will get 3 points."

According to AFC regulations, the 6 teams participating in the 4th qualifying round are divided into 2 groups. The 2 group winners will win the 2 remaining Asian direct spots for the 2026 World Cup. Meanwhile, the 2 second-placed teams will play 2 play-off matches to determine the team that wins the spot to participate in the intercontinental play-off round. The remaining 2 bottom-ranked teams will be eliminated.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/lich-thi-dau-doi-tuyen-indonesia-iraq-moi-nhat-sinh-tu-gianh-ve-world-cup-hlv-kluivert-tung-tuyet-chieu-18525101113161944.htm