'We must take Indonesia to the 2026 World Cup'

Kluivert's ambitions and Indonesian football

On January 11th, Dutch football legend Patrick Kluivert arrived in Indonesia to be introduced as head coach. Kluivert was welcomed at Soekarno Hatta Airport (Jakarta, Indonesia's capital) by officials from the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI), journalists, and thousands of Indonesian fans.

After a day of rest, this afternoon (January 12), PSSI held a press conference to introduce Kluivert. The Dutch coach will begin his work early next week, with the ambition of leading Indonesia through the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. This is also the goal that PSSI President Erick Thohir has set for Coach Kluivert.

PSSI welcomes coach Patrick Kluivert.

"I will pursue my goal. I and the players share that great ambition (to qualify for the 2026 World Cup)," coach Patrick Kluivert told the press.

The Indonesian national team is currently third in Group C of the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. After 6 matches, Marselino Ferdinand and his teammates have 6 points with 1 win (2-0 against Saudi Arabia), 3 draws (1-1 against Saudi Arabia, 0-0 against Australia, 2-2 against Bahrain) and 2 losses (1-2 against China, 0-4 against Japan).

Indonesia's six points put them just one point behind second-placed Australia. To qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, Indonesia needs to finish first or second in their group. If they finish third or fourth, they will advance to the play-off round (six teams compete for 2.5 spots). When coach Shin Tae-yong was still in charge, Indonesia's goal was to finish third or fourth to qualify for the play-offs.

"My goal with Indonesia is to play well in the remaining four matches," coach Patrick Kluivert affirmed.

The Indonesian national team returns to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March, with an away match against Australia (matchday seven), before playing Bahrain at home (matchday eight). If they defeat China and Bahrain in their remaining two home matches, Indonesia will almost certainly qualify for at least the play-off round.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/huyen-thoai-bong-da-ha-lan-tuyen-bo-phai-dua-indonesia-den-world-cup-2026-18525011217054296.htm