Japan vs Indonesia: Latest Insights Before 2026 World Cup Qualifier

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian national team will play an away match and their last match in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Group C Asia zone against Japan. The match will take place at the Suita City Stadium in Osaka Prefecture on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 5:35 p.m. local time.

The result of the Japan vs Indonesia match will no longer affect the fate of both teams in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Japan has secured its spot in the final round, while the Garuda squad advanced to the fourth round of qualifiers thanks to a victory against China.

Bahrain's loss to Saudi Arabia also secured Indonesia's place in the fourth round. However, this match cannot be overlooked, especially considering the latest results of both teams.

The host Japan suffered their first loss in the third round in the last match. Visiting Australia, the team known as the Blue Samurai had to return home with a 0-1 defeat due to Aziz Behich's goal in the 90th minute.

Of the 11 players who started against Australia, only Daichi Kamada and Tsuyoshi Watanabe play in Europe. However, Coach Hajime Moriyasu did not want to lose. The loss can be considered a blemish on Japan's record in the third round. In contrast, Indonesia secured a narrow 1-0 victory over China thanks to Ole Romeny's penalty. A victory that ensured their progress to the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Apart from the three points, another commendable aspect of Coach Patrick Kluivert's third match directing the Garuda team is the courage he and his coaching staff showed in fielding players from the Indonesian Liga 1. Four players from Liga 1 clubs were in the starting 11 in the match against China, and they proved their quality amidst the presence of numerous diaspora players.

Last Meeting

Indonesia suffered a 0-4 defeat when hosting Japan at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium last November. At that time, Maarten Paes' goal was conceded by Takumi Minamino, Hidemasa Morita, Yukinari Sugawara, and an own goal by Justin Hubner.

Japan dominated from the start. The Blue Samurai had 67 percent ball possession compared to Indonesia's 33 percent. At that time, the Red and White team was still led by Shin Tae-yong. In terms of shots and shots on target, Japan excelled with 12 shots and 7 shots on target compared to Indonesia's 8 shots and 3 shots on target.

Return of Two Key Players

Ahead of the match against Japan, Indonesia's two key players, goalkeeper Paes and forward Marselino Ferdinan, are available to play under coach Kluivert. Paes and Marselino were absent from the match against China due to accumulated yellow cards.

The sanctions have now been served, and both are included in Kluivert's squad for Japan. However, this doesn't guarantee them a place in the starting lineup. From the match against China, it's clear that Kluivert and his coaching staff assess players based on their quality, not just their reputation.

Paes faces tough competition from Emil Audero Mulyadi, who has shown his class as a former goalkeeper for Juventus and Inter Milan when he excelled in the match against China. A clean sheet and several important saves make Emil worthy of consideration.

Meanwhile, Egy Maulana Vikri performed well in place of Marselino Ferdinan in the match against China. The Dewa United player has proven to be a worthy partner for Ole Romeny in Garuda's attacking line.

Indonesia has secured a spot in the fourth round. This match could be an opportunity for Kluivert and his coaching staff to try out some changes. Kevin Diks and Mees Hilgers may be given a starting role after being unused substitutes in the match against China. Additionally, Beckham Putra demonstrated his abilities as a substitute against China and now has a chance to start.

Japan Overhauls Squad and Strategy

Similar to the match against Australia, Japan may field its reserve team when hosting Indonesia. Their top players, such as Kaoru Mitoma, did not feature in the squad against Australia, while Zion Suzuki and Wataru Endo did not play, and Takefusa Kubo was used as a substitute.

Japan also has to cope with the absence of two players, Koki Machida and Tsuyoshi Watanabe, due to injuries. Coach Moriyasu has decided not to add any new members to his squad. Currently, the Japanese national team has only 21 players.

Moreover, Coach Moriyasu has called up seven new players for the last two matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Against Australia, Japan fielded three debutants, Hiroki Sekine, Yu Hirakawa, and Kota Tawaratsumida.

Against Indonesia, Coach Moriyasu will likely give debuts to more young Japanese players. If this happens, the Indonesian national team may have the opportunity to secure at least one point in Japan. In the last match, the national team demonstrated its ability to win and perform well.

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