Opportunities for the Indonesian national team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after being held to a draw by Bahrain

KOMPAS.com – The Indonesia vs Bahrain national team match ended in a 2-2 draw in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in the Asian zone, Thursday (10/10/2024) evening.

Bahrain player Mohamed Marhoon opened the match with a goal in the 15th minute. The Indonesian national team took the lead thanks to goals from Ragnar Oratmangoen (45+3′) and Rafael Struick (74′).

However, referee Ahmed Al Kaf’s decision did not stop the second half of the match though injury time finally made Mohamed Marhoon score another goal in the 90+9 minute.

By only drawing from Bahrain, Indonesia is now ranked fifth in the standings. Meanwhile, Bahrain is in fourth position thanks to a collection of four points.

So, what are Indonesia’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup?

Also read: Indonesia vs Bahrain referee controversy, reported by PSSI to FIFA

The Indonesian national team is scheduled to play the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in the Asian zone from Friday (6/9/2024) to Tuesday (10/6/2025).

Indonesia is in Group C with Japan, Saudi Arabia, Australia, China and Bahrain.

Reported Kompas.com (11/9/2024), Indonesia has the opportunity to qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup if it becomes champion or second place in the qualifying group.

So far, Group C teams have played three of the five third round matches. Japan currently sits at the top of Group C with 9 points from three wins.

The second position is occupied by Australia which has four points with a record of one win, one draw and one loss.

On the other hand, Indonesia is ranked fifth in Group C with a collection of three points obtained from series matches against Saudi Arabia (1-1), Australia (0-0) and Bahrain (2-2).

To at least occupy second place in the group, Indonesia must win in the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifications. However, Indonesia’s chances of winning are quite difficult.

Because the Garuda troops met three countries that often represent Asia in the World Cup, namely Japan, Australia and Saudi Arabia.

Apart from that, Indonesia’s opponent, China, also represented Asia in the 2002 World Cup. Meanwhile, Bahrain’s abilities should not be underestimated.

Also read: Draw against Bahrain, Indonesia drops to 5th place in Group C standings

Participate in round four or play-offs

If it fails to become champion or second place in Group C in the third qualifying round, Indonesia still has the opportunity to take part in the 2026 World Cup.