Indonesia vs Japan in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Prediction, Lineup ...

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia is set to take on Japan in the third round of the 2026 World Cup Asian Qualifiers on Friday, November 15, 2024. The match, scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. Jakarta time, will be broadcast live on RCTI and the Vision+ streaming platform.

Despite a significant gap in FIFA rankings, with Indonesia at 130th and Japan at 15th, Indonesian coach Shin Tae-yong anticipates an intense battle, fueled by the support of a 60,000-strong home crowd at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK).

“Tomorrow’s match will surely be a tough challenge. But we aim to leave no regrets. No one knows the outcome of the match,” Shin Tae-yong said during a pre-match press conference at the SUGBK in Jakarta on Thursday, November 14, 2024.

Indonesia, who had an impressive start to the qualifiers with three unbeaten matches against Saudi Arabia, Australia, and Bahrain, suffered their first loss against China on October 15. The Garuda squad, despite a late comeback, fell short with a 1-2 defeat.

On the other hand, Japan remains undefeated, securing victories over China (7-0), Bahrain (5-0), and Saudi Arabia (2-0). They narrowly drew 1-1 against Australia at the home match last November.

Given the rankings and recent performances, Japan is the clear favorite. However, the Indonesian national team will need to be at their best to contain the Blue Samurai’s potent attack, which has scored 15 goals in four matches

Japan's head coach, Hajime Moriyasu, acknowledges the improvement in the Indonesian team, particularly with the addition of naturalized players. Nonetheless, he remains confident in his team's ability to secure a victory.

“Our goal is to top the group in the World Cup qualifiers. Tomorrow's match is against Indonesia, and I will lead Japan with confidence,” Moriyasu stated in a pre-match press conference at the SUGBK in Jakarta on Thursday, November 14, 2024.

A win for Japan would solidify their position at the top of Group C, while a victory for Indonesia could boost their chances of qualifying. Japan currently leads the group with 10 points from four matches, followed by Australia, Saudi Arabia, and China, each having played five games with six points. Bahrain drops to fifth place after narrowly losing 0-1 to China in their last match.

Indonesia is currently at the bottom of the group with three points from four matches and will stay there if they lose to Japan.

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Shin Tae-yong has named a 27-player squad for the matches against Japan and Saudi Arabia. Notable changes include the absence of Mees Hilgers and Asnawi Mangkualam due to injuries. Newcomers, such as Yance, Yakob Sayuri, and naturalized player Kevin Diks, have been called up to fill the gaps. Diks is expected to make his debut for the Garuda squad.

Japan, meanwhile, has selected a 27-player squad that includes six Champions League players, namely Wataru Endo, Hidemasa Morita, Reo Hatate, Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda, and Takumi Minamino. Despite the absence of key striker Ayase Ueda, Japan's attacking prowess remains formidable.

Head-to-Head

Indonesia and Japan have faced each other 16 times, with Japan holding a significant advantage. The Blue Samurai have won nine matches, drawn two, and lost five. However, Indonesia has not defeated Japan since 1981.

Their most recent encounter was in the 2023 Asian Cup on January 24, 2024, where Japan emerged victorious with a 3-1 scoreline. However, the Garuda squad still progressed to the round of 16 in that competition.

Predicted Lineups

Indonesia National Team: Paes; Walsh, Diks, Idzes, Amat, Verdonk; Sulaeman, Tjoe-A-On, Haye, Oratmangoen; Struick

Coach: Shin Tae-yong

Japan National Team: Suzuki; Itakura, Taniguchi, Machida; Doan, Endo, Morita, Mitoma; Minamino, Kubo; Furuhashi

Coach: Hajime Moriyasu

Indonesia vs Japan Prediction

Japan, who recently failed to secure full points at the home match against Australia, will undoubtedly be eager to regain momentum and secure a victory. Under Hajime Moriyasu's guidance, the team is known for its aggressive and attacking style of play.

Indonesia, on the other hand, will need to shore up their defense to withstand Japan's potent attack. Goalkeeper Maarten Paes will be crucial in keeping the scoreline manageable. Despite the significant gap in rankings, the Indonesian team, buoyed by the passionate support of their home crowd, could surprise the Japanese. The motivation and determination of players like Jay Idzes are expected to create a game-changer.

Considering the previous matches, particularly the goalless draw against Australia, a draw is not entirely out of the question.

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